The book Hurley picked up in the Temple was Fear and Trembling by Soren Kierkegaard.

From Wikipedia:

In Fear and Trembling Kierkegaard introduces the "Knight of Faith" and contrasts him with the "knight of infinite resignation". The latter gives up everything in return for the infinite, that which he may receive after this life, and continuously dwells with the pain of his loss. The former, however, not only relinquishes everything, but also trusts that he will receive it all back, his trust based on the "strength of the absurd".

Soooooo.......MIB = the Knight of Infinite Resignation and Jacob = the Knight of Faith????

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_and_Trembling

The Knight of Faith sounds more like John Locke to me.

Fear and Trembling is also a Biblical allusion--work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

The book that Hurley picks up from the dead French guy in the temple is by Søren Aabye Kierkegaard who was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and psychologist. Kierkegaard strongly criticised both the Hegelianism of his time and what he saw as the empty formalities of the Danish National Church. Much of his philosophical work deals with the issues of how one lives, focusing on the priority of concrete human reality over abstract thinking and highlighting the importance of personal choice and commitment. His theological work focuses on Christian ethics and the institution of the Church.His psychological works explore the emotions and feelings of individuals when faced with life choices