It really doesn’t matter how you feel about it: Intro [Part 1 of 4]

The Self is a very important concept in our culture. When I talk to people about controversial theological topics or biblical passages I am often told "I'm not sure what I think about that." Or, and I think this is trickier, "I know the church believes that, but I'm not sure I do."

Within our particular brand of Christianity we are exceptionally prone to self references. Charismatic belief has always put more importance on the individual experience of God, his presence, and our personal access to his truth.

So, it may be surprising to remember that cultures, and the church, have not always placed such a high importance on selfhood. In fact, Charles Taylor [Christian Philosopher], in his book Sources of the Self tells us that the Self has not always existed. At least not the way we know it.

The Self, Taylor explains, has a history. It has been defined different ways and it has taken different levels of authority in our philosophical and theological discussions.

You have probably heard that "you've got to do what is right for you." This is the basis of modern decision making. More than even rational evaluation we base our decisions on feelings. All things being equal, how do I feel about this choice? Feelings are essentially restricted to the self. There is no way to experience another person's feelings. Also, no one can tell you that you aren't feeling a certain way. The language around feelings is restricted to the self.

This gets even trickier as we begin to discuss another hard to grasp and much contested concept: Love. Think about the most basic example of the divorcee who says that they don't feel like they love their spouse anymore. It wouldn't be right for them to stay in a relationship if they don't love the other person any more.

As tragic as divorce is, the deeper tragedy is that when our self is our primary reference for truth especially when it comes to issues like love then we are setting ourselves up to interpret God's based on how we feel. Think about the times we really question God's love. They are hard times, usually there is suffering of some kind, and we feel confused about how God could love us and this bad thing could be happening.

I'm going to spend the next 3 posts talking about how the intersection between how we think about truth, the self, and love, has gotten turned into a complete cluster-cuss. And I want to point out some biblical ideas that can help keep us rooted and grounded in the Father's love.

COMING UP! Part 2:
Jesus Loves Me Vs God so Loved the World

Part 3: Speaking Truth in Love: How the Church can be a Nation of Prophets

Part 4: Losing my religion: Communion, Union, and death of self

Seek His Face Always