The Dangers of Introspection

 

Introspection II (2006) by Helen Burgess. Source

Introspection means to look inward, look within ourselves; it analyzes, assess ourselves, and knowing which part of our personality becomes the weakness and strength. Also, introspection refer to the times when we define the surroundings with only our own imagination and opinion. Introspection is often used as method of self-improvement, to assess which part of our behavior that does not follow certain teaching, principle, moral law, or our own conscience; then we will try to fix it to form ourselves as the self-image we want to be.

 

For example, we meet a bright intelligent student. His name is Harry. Harry has a target to become top 10 highest grades among their class, he may analyze on what hinders his grade: studying method, friends, or learning environment. By discovering the accurate details, Harry has clearer picture to improve and prepare becoming a better performing student.

Introspection on some level is quite good for analyzing "my" behaviour. How about analyzing reality?

People build their worldview based on knowledge. Introspection only obtain knowledge within "my" understanding, which is limited. Therefore, when it comes to understand the world; on seeking the meaning and purpose of life, or problems beyond our control, introspection will turns to be dangerous and tragic. Introspection will inflicts emptiness and loneliness, as it tries to seeking answer and meanings in our own thinking; the mixture of feeling, logic, and psychology that's too complex.  

Now, we meet Harry again. Harry has flunked the final exam.  He is shocked and try responding his condition by blaming something: "It's because lack of sleep, lack of reading enough materials. No, I must be study the wrong materials that did not come for exam, or I just filling correct answers to the wrong questions". Harry's friends and family know that he just lacking sleep and unfit, which affects errors . However, Harry responses by introspecting himself, produces confusion and denial of reality.

The Need for Reflection

Image and Likeness of God (2013) by Therese Duran. Source

The definition of introspection comes in seeking answers within our own heart, our own conscience. Then, the writer mentions heart to be divided in three spheres: thinking, experiencing, and being. These three spheres operated in different functions, yet integrated to define a meaningful connection with reality. 

The Bible points to these functions of the heart as necessary for engaging with what is real. Consider how Jesus teaches us about living in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13 [1][2]. He addresses  our  rationality,  to  bring  us  to  a  right thinking about  the  situation.  At  the  same time, he addresses our imagination, through the use of symbol and metaphor, which allows us to experience, taste and connect with what he is saying. And in his emphasis on action he addresses the will, by which we should respond in obedience.

- Fellows (2008) -

Unfortunately, "introspection" often only leads to thinking and doing, but we are blurred on who we are, what our identity is in front of unstable world.

Why Harry become so self-absorbed in his flunked exam? Technically, Harry builds hid own identity based on his academic achievements (and he really strive on becoming the best). When he fails on his exam, in his own thinking, he does not worth alive anymore. He becomes stressed, and does not see himself as the beloved son of his family, a nice keeper of soccer team, a patient teacher for his friends, etc. If Harry keep thinking like this, he may consider suicide.

Fortunately, The Bible provide answers to overcome this habit. One method is by doing self-reflection. Where is the difference between introspection and self-reflection? The difference lies on the source and the direction. Introspection understands reality from looking inward to "myself", "my situation" and refer to "my" knowledge/opinion/feeling as the source . Introspection calls us "to live on your own". Self-reflection understands reality from looking outward situation, and refer to the "truth and love" that is written and taught from The Bible. Self-reflection calls us "to love", participate in reality.

Reflection means resembled image of ourselves. We can see our reflection when we look in front of mirror. The Bible says that "humans are created in the image and likeness of God" [3]. Therefore, according to the Bible, we are reflections of God. Therefore, the real humanity, our real identity,  lies on God. This will give light to "see" ourselves as it is, where to go, how to live. 

However, who to turn to? What kind of God we talk about here? As The Bible tells so, let The Bible provide the answer [4].

End Notes

[1] Parable of The Sower from the Bible

[2] Further explanation of "Parable of The Sower" Houdmann, M. What is the meaning of Parable of The Sower?

[3] Genesis 1:26

[4] Houdmann, M. What does it mean that humanity is made on the image of God? 

So, which is further difference between introspection and self-reflection? You are welcome to download the paper below.

 
Presented by L'Abri
 

The Dangers of Introspection - Andrew Fellows

World of Idols

         Apostle Paul discussed with Athenians

Bible Verses
Acts 17:16-34


The sermon takes reflections on how apostle Paul's journey on preaching the Gospel to citizens of Athens. They believes in various mythology gods: Zeus, Artemis, Athena, etc. However, actually they are confused about the truth, and does not having any hobby but to know something new. In their altar's banner carved: To The Unknown God.  The Holy Spirit enlighten Paul's senses, understanding, and emotion to see things behind Athen's culture that needs restoration from God's Word.

Paul's perspective contains essential parts of Christianity that brings effective evangelizing of Jesus Christ; which is delightfully good to meditate upon as layman's rejection towards Christianity often comes from radical, inaccurate understanding about Christianity, with such response: 

Christianity? That self-righteous, arrogant religion? Sorry, dude, I do not take it. Let they feed themselves up about their religion.

The preacher mentions four actions of Paul's in Athens:

 1. Where he went: marketplace

 

 Paul went towards the "marketplace" of Athenians. The current resemblance to "marketplace" in Athens are "shopping malls", the place where people observe, enjoy, and buy life's goods and needs, from foods, clothes, houses, contracts, and educations. Imagine a multifunctional mall where you can attend study courses, shop, attend fairs, and buying house credits. For Athens, the marketplace was even more significant as there are governments discuss, philosophers teaching, merchants selling, etc; the center point of urban life. Paul went there, discussed Jesus Christ at the public.

Ancient Athens Marketplace

Other religions may seems adequate by enjoying private worship or meditation. Christianity serves different takes; The argument lies on the character of God as Creator of all things, then His Wisdom must be heard all over the place. 

Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights beside the way, at the crossroads she takes her stand?

- Proverbs 8:1-2, ESV -

 2. How he feels: distressed

The feeling is addressed as "holy jealousy", being compassionate and indignant towards people around you, the people you love. Most people understands love as simply being kind, and jealousy is form of irrational possessive complex. Briefly, love in Christianity includes both elements: kindness and anger, if someone you love farther away from you. The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference, where people does not put in care anymore.

This form of love also understood towards the Cross [1] , crucifixation of Jesus Christ. God The Father punishes Jesus Christ furiously with dead-sin-separation, for redeeming human sins [2] and transgressions. Jesus Christ pay the price and rise from the dead, giving access for humans to reunite with God by being faithful to Jesus.

 3. What he saw: idols

Idols are the things or objects you like and feel you cannot live without. The sign of idol is on who/what we build our identity upon and admires the most. Idols appear in ancient times through idol worships in form of statues and mythology gods, that resembles human characters and nature, like god of sex, god of war, etc. In modern times, it may comes subtly through hobbies or careers. Every holics, from workaholic, shopaholic, etc. or other things could be the example. Does those things bring us closer to the real satisfaction? Or is it like addiction, the things we like first, but later bored, and cannot help but to do it [3]?

 4. What he did: preach the Gospel

In short, it is all about sharing and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ [4] to humans, general calling to all Christians. Changing times shows increased thirst towards spirituality to find sense of meaning, purpose of life, or peace. One thing to consider, one human cannot live true life if they seek wisdoms and pleasures within themselves, their goals, or their own agenda. Rather, seek God as He is indeed our Creator and design us for a purpose.

Knowing Yourself begins with Knowing God

- John Calvin -

And Christianity may became the start. 

End Notes

[1] What is sin?

[2] What is the cross?

[3] What is definition of idol and why it brings powerful temptation?

[4] What is the Gospel?


 

Presented by Redeemer Presbyterian Church

 

World of Idols - Timothy J. Keller