Brian Rosner, my colleague and boss, has written a gem of a book called: How to Find Yourself: Why Looking Inward Is Not the Answer (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2022).
Very late to this party—this book sounds helpful, but I really dislike the negative use of “looking inward.” It is ambiguous language, and taken differently, the phrase can describe a helpful part of spiritual practice. What isn’t acknowledged cannot be transformed. Running away from what is really going on inside is disastrous. Christians would do well to know themselves well and seek healthy self-awareness in God’s presence.
Hi Jane, I think introspective reflection is a good thing. But the idea that I already have all the power, purpose, and answers that I need dormant within me is unhealthy.
Thanks for this, but this is a case where terms can mean two different things. "Looking inward" and "identity" are important Christian concepts, and actually seem to be underutilized today. Of course those mean something else to those outside the faith.
Despite the headline of the post stating "looking inward is not the answer", you go on to say "Brian Rosner argues that personal identity is formed not only by looking inward"... Christians need more silence and solitude to peel away the layers of what is going on deep inside, knowing oneself (as many, including Calvin have stated), and finding their identity in Christ.
Rosner's use of "self-made" seems to be the better way to describe the problem.
This book is outstanding. For quite awhile I have been wondering how to effectively engage people who are totally immersed and affected by the “self-made self” movement.
Dr. Rosner has provided in his book the tools and insights ministers and discipling Christians need to be able, along with the Spirit’s illumination, to formulate answers that are biblically sound (with other disciplines too) while maintaining a sensitive and loving attitude towards those affected by the expressive individualism ideology.
Thanks Dr. Bird for including this book on your weekly posts. I bought it immediately I read about it on your “This Week…” post on Sunday.
Very late to this party—this book sounds helpful, but I really dislike the negative use of “looking inward.” It is ambiguous language, and taken differently, the phrase can describe a helpful part of spiritual practice. What isn’t acknowledged cannot be transformed. Running away from what is really going on inside is disastrous. Christians would do well to know themselves well and seek healthy self-awareness in God’s presence.
Hi Jane, I think introspective reflection is a good thing. But the idea that I already have all the power, purpose, and answers that I need dormant within me is unhealthy.
Agree with that. Just think the language could be misunderstood. Thanks for the reply—Love your work!
It’s fabulous. Couldn’t put it down. Timely and penetrating insight.
Thanks for this, but this is a case where terms can mean two different things. "Looking inward" and "identity" are important Christian concepts, and actually seem to be underutilized today. Of course those mean something else to those outside the faith.
Despite the headline of the post stating "looking inward is not the answer", you go on to say "Brian Rosner argues that personal identity is formed not only by looking inward"... Christians need more silence and solitude to peel away the layers of what is going on deep inside, knowing oneself (as many, including Calvin have stated), and finding their identity in Christ.
Rosner's use of "self-made" seems to be the better way to describe the problem.
This book is outstanding. For quite awhile I have been wondering how to effectively engage people who are totally immersed and affected by the “self-made self” movement.
Dr. Rosner has provided in his book the tools and insights ministers and discipling Christians need to be able, along with the Spirit’s illumination, to formulate answers that are biblically sound (with other disciplines too) while maintaining a sensitive and loving attitude towards those affected by the expressive individualism ideology.
Thanks Dr. Bird for including this book on your weekly posts. I bought it immediately I read about it on your “This Week…” post on Sunday.