Christianity and the Idea of an Authentic True Self

Introduction

We all want to be better people. Whether it’s having more patience, honesty, compassion, or taking better care of our physical and emotional health, we want to be “the best version of myself.” But where can we turn to for guidance on how to craft a true authentic self?

Adopt a Holistic Attitude

If you are a spiritual seeker not tied to a religion, you might be inclined to dismiss the three monotheistic faith traditions of Christianity, Judaism, or Islam, as sources of guidance or insight for crafting a true self. This is the case for around sixty million American adults who consider themselves spiritual but not religious. Instead of limiting the scope of our exploration, let’s be open minded and willing to consider unfamiliar points of view in our search for learning how to craft an ideal self.

The Christian View of Self—Something is Lacking

Outside the framework of our American Declaration of Independence which emphasizes each individual’s inherent right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, the Protestant Christian worldview dominated America’s moral and social landscape for much of its history, up until the 1970s.

Protestant Christianity assumes human beings are inherently flawed and prone to self-centeredness. Our inclination to be selfish manifests as a willingness to hurt others to avoid being hurt. This inherited tendency afflicts everyone, and we cannot eliminate it on our own. We need help from a power beyond ourselves, from an “outside agency.” To be a better person is not merely about being true to one’s inner desires or finding one’s true calling in life, but rather, it’s about finding a way to overcome this inherited tendency to be self-centered and rebellious toward God.

A Supernatural Force

Christianity claims the help we need to rid ourselves of undesirable and destructive tendencies is supernatural. Becoming a better person involves reorienting one’s priorities, values, and behaviors toward spiritual renewal and growth. This transformation is possible when the individual is willing to surrender to the divine will, to a force greater than oneself. This “something greater” cannot be fully explained or understood by the human constructs of biology, physics, or chemistry. It’s a supernatural force that operates within and beyond our natural world. What is it that one surrenders to, and what is being surrendered?

What does one surrender to?

The novel In His Steps by Charles Sheldon, highlights the importance of this surrender. According to Sheldon, to craft and ideal self, the individual must experience spiritual renewal and growth by aligning one’s actions and identity with the teachings and behaviors modeled by Jesus in the Bible.

The characters in Sheldon’s book face a variety of moral dilemmas and must decide whether or not to choose the path of service and selfless giving, in spite of any personal sacrifices. To become a transformed individual, someone who moves from a preoccupation with oneself and personal ambitions, the individual must submerge such tendencies into a higher dimension by aligning with the biblical injunction uttered by Jesus in the Gospel of Mark:  

^“ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (NIV.)

The key to this transformed way of thinking and acting is to admit one’s human shortcomings, turn away from self-centered preoccupations, and acknowledge one’s utter dependence on God’s grace and forgiveness as the mechanism to live with a renewed mind:

“ Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Rom. 12:2, NIV)

Christianity’s approach on how to experience your authentic true self might seem out of step with the view that prioritizes self-discovery and autonomy, independent of a divine framework, as the key to crafting a true self. Though this view is less popular today, it still offers valuable insights for those wanting to become better people.

Here’s a short list of some key elements the Christian faith offers in crafting an authentic self:

Christianity’s contribution to crafting an ideal self

1. Inherent Flaws: Humans are inherently flawed and need divine intervention to understand themselves and live true, beyond societal expectations or personal insecurities.

2. Transformation: No matter how disappointed you may feel about your behavior or attitude, with the right kind of faith, using Christ as your example, you can form a new identity rooted in humility, courage, love, service, and a desire to live in alignment with the divine will.

3. A Higher Calling: Life’s ultimate purpose extends beyond personal achievements or desires. Living to honor the divine will, as demonstrated through the life of Jesus, leads to a deeper sense of purpose and understanding of how to be a better person.

4. Your Unique Calling: The divine will calls you to live out your life in a way no one else can. By doing so, you live out your true purpose and find deep meaning to your life.

5. Morality and Ethics: The Bible provides a moral and ethical framework to guide your life to help you become a better person.

One of my favorite books of the Bible is Proverbs. Here’s a passage from Chapter 17 that I often return to for solace and reflection:

            “If he covers an offense, he promotes love; but if he repeats a matter, he separates best friends. A rebuke is more effective with him who has understanding than a hundred lashes for a fool. An evil person seeks only rebellion; therefore, a cruel messenger shall be sent against them. It would be better for him to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than a fool in their folly. If he rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam; therefore, he should stop contention before quarreling breaks out." (Proverbs 17:9-14)

Conclusion

Christianity offers a comprehensive framework for creating an authentic true self, rooted in the example of Christ, and guided by the moral and ethical teachings of the Bible. Through seeking to emulate Jesus’ example of how to live in the world, spiritual growth, community support, and living out one’s calling, individuals can experience inner transformation and become the best version of themselves.

Just because this perspective isn’t as dominant in American culture as it once was, doesn’t mean we can’t benefit from it. Millions around the world have, and it’s worth exploring further. I challenge you to step out of your comfort zone—go visit a church or talk to a Christian.

You might just find something valuable to help you become the kind of person you know you want to be.

Until next week, here’s to your spiritual health!