Soren Aabye Kirekegaard (1813 - 1855) was one of the most important philosophers of the 19th century. A Danish author, he wrote on a variety of topics including theology, literature, psychology and philosophy. He is first and foremost a committed Christian theologian and philosopher who aimed to resurrect a true and radical conception of the Christian life within a Christian society and who went out of his way to criticize Christian practices and Christian churches of his day. Kierkegaard is widely seen as the founder of existentialism and one of the great critics of the philosopher G.W.F. Hegel and German Romantics. He helped create modernist philosophy and literature and his powerful portrayal of Biblical figures continues to be influential to this day. He is most well-known for his conception of the "leap of faith."