The Synthesis of Actualizing and Escaping the Self in Christian Identity and Conversion :: Essays Papers

The Synthesis of Actualizing and Escaping the Self in Christian in-person identity and ConversionEver since encountering Socrates simplistic but profound maxim, know thyself, I have taken intentional steps along the journey of my let self-discovery. However, the more I attempt to analyze the complex integration of motives, thoughts, actions, unconscious(p) memories, sensual experiences, emotional reactions, etc. that composes my self, the more I realize the immortal depths into which Socrates seemingly simple saying has plunged me. Nevertheless, my curious mind, whether a curse or a gift, craves any tidbit of wisdom someone wishes to impart about(predicate) how/where/with what means one can come to know thyself better. Perhaps its a result of growing up in a capitalistic, progressive, individualist society, but my continual search proves I believe more knowledge will somehow lead to a fuller life. I hope to improve, upgrade, supersize, maximizeAlong this journey, I have stumb led upon many recent psychologists who appoint that to help someone know the self more fully, the psychologist must erect unconditional positive regard for the personhood of the other, that is, identify with the client without questioning the rank from which she or he speaks (McAdams 440-1). Allowing clients to talk, these psychologists believe, provides them opportunity to access their own self-knowledge. They already stimulate the answers they need to improve their lives they entirely need someone to affirm that law so they can begin to believe it themselves. No outside ascendence needs to tell them what theyre thinking or feeling, let wholly what they ought to do to change themselves. Since I believe in and have see unconditional positive regard as a catalyst to personal empowerment, I wanted to stand up and cheer, Yes with these headmasters. But another professional caused me to reconsider. Paul Vitz, a Christian psychologist, authors Psychology as Religion The cr aze of Self-Worship, a response to the self-actualization and self-help movements popularized by these psychologists. He criticizes Rogers client- center oned therapy as encouraging a narrowly-focused, self-centered lifestyle that excludes broader cultural and historical themes (Vitz 21). Selfism as he labels this movement, simply encourages people to feed their own egos and ignore both the reality of their fallenness and the business to love others. Not only that, but selfism defames God, for it places self at the center of ones focus, thus creating an idol To worship ones self (in self-realization) or to worship all humanity is, in Christian terms, simple idolatry operating from the usual motive of unconscious self(Vitz 93).