A Christian Perspective on Identity and Relationships
“Man has always been his own most vexing problem. How shall he think of himself?” So reads the opening two sentences of one of the great theological works of the twentieth century, The Nature and Destiny of Man, Volume One by Reinhold Niebuhr. How man shall think of himself has been a question and the great dilemma of philosophers, historians, scientists, and even theologians down through the ages. What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be male and female? These are questions that are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. In fact, despite our supposed enlightened and informed age, we are no closer to an answer than we were at the dawn of time.
This question used to be the domain of philosophers and theologians, but it has become the sole purview of biologists and psychologists in modern times. For the biologist, there is not much that separates us from the animals since we are close relatives from the perspective of evolutionary theory. Human life is a collection of cells, DNA, and biochemicals. For the psychologist, we are a collection of cognitions, emotions, and impulses which are warring with themselves and seeking some order that only the psychologist can provide. Therapy and medical intervention then become the ultimate shapers of who we are and how we live. We can reduce human existence to a number of different parts and systems. And in fact, science has done well in explaining what we are, but it cannot define who we are or why we are here.
It is no wonder that we are more confused than ever. As we have learned to break man down into a vast system of component parts, we cannot assemble the whole from these parts and, therefore, don’t know what to claim as our ultimate purpose or reason for being. For example, are we primarily sexual beings deriving our sole identity from our sexual impulses and behavior? If that is the case, then we can see how our modern thinking has devolved to the point of there being neither male nor female but sexual fluidity so that sexual relations can be with anyone at any time, anywhere. Or are we primarily beings who can influence situations and our world given our intellect and reasoning? If this becomes our sole identity, then power, exploitation of others, and dominance can quickly become ends in themselves. Or, if we are primarily a systemic collection of nothing more than biochemicals, then biological manipulation of others and ourselves in the name of science can become our ultimate value. The pattern is clear. We are a composite of beautiful parts and abilities, but if each were taken separately as being the whole person, then confusion ensues.
“Fearfully and wonderfully made as we are, our being finds its
complete expression and purpose only in relationship with the One who made us.”
Scripture states succinctly but comprehensively that we are created in the image of God: “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them” (Genesis 1:27). But what does that mean? It means we can reason, exert influence, explore the universe within and without, love, create, and experience the pleasure of His creation. Indeed, we are sexual, male and female, and have been commanded to have dominion over, and to care for, all creation (Genesis 1:27-30). Fearfully and wonderfully made as we are, our being finds its complete expression and purpose only in relationship with the One who made us. He is the One who guides, provides, and supplies all our needs. He is our God, and we are His people.
It was in the Garden of Eden that we chose to control our own lives apart from God. Yet, we cannot do it on our own, try as we might. When we attempt to go it alone, we quickly go astray, and our muddled state sets in again. Through Jesus, God the Father came to rescue us from our wonderings and confusion and bring us back into relationship with Him. Only as we allow Jesus to live and move within our being can we state clearly who we are and why we are here—to be His child and live to His glory.
For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:13-14
by Dr. Al Barrow, Director of Spiritual Development
