The True Self and False Self: A Christian Perspective

by Eric L. Johnson; Matthew Brett Vaden

Publisher:

Pickwick Publications

, 2022

Overview

We go through life, focusing our attention on many things. But how much do we focus on ourselves? We may be aware of many things, but are we self-aware? This is a question our contemporary culture asks us to consider more and more, and words like "self-awareness," "personal identity," "authenticity," and "mindfulness" are becoming not just buzz-words but virtues. The ancient dictum "know thyself" reverberates in all corners of our lives, from Disney characters on our TVs to DISC profiles at our workplaces. Some of the more mindful members of our society may even be tempted to disdain those who are not as mindful as they are. But what if our self-aware culture, hailing us to pursue our true selves, is unaware of itself? What if our definitions of true and false self-understanding are myopic, slanted towards a narrow solipsism that is actually leading people away from authenticity, while all the while championing it? If so, how would we know? Who is best able to define these things and to teach us how to know ourselves truly? Matthew Brett Vaden traces the wisdom of past and modern-day sages to discover how we can truly discover ourselves.

Praise for The True Self and False Self

“This look at true self and false self is a thoughtful examination that carefully weaves in biblical truth and psychology in a way that is sure to help the reader find freedom in their true self.”

—Amy Mattia, Director, Karis House



“Brett’s teaching on the true self and false self is not merely an intellectual exercise for him, but more so an expression of his commitment to pursue God and his truth. Brett exemplifies key qualities of an effective teacher and solid thinker. What he teaches emerges out of his own life experience, rooted in humility and authenticity. It is a pleasure to witness how he manifests these qualities in service to the body of Christ.”

—Bob Hudson, Founder, The Cross Ministry Group



“In this stimulating work, Vaden explores the self by examining the Scriptures, some key figures in Christian tradition, and secular psychologists. Nor is this simply a patchwork of different perspectives. Vaden evaluates and considers Christian theologians and psychologists with the standard of God’s word. We can be grateful for this careful study on a theme that concerns both Christians and those who don’t confess the faith.”

—Thomas R. Schreiner, Southern Seminary



“It is a delight to see this kind of thoughtful work being done in the area of Christian psychology. Vaden’s book is a model of the kind of soul-honest and biblically rooted writing that we need to understand the complex journey of the human and Christian life.”

—Jonathan T. Pennington, Southern Seminary



“Vaden’s careful contemplation and discernment are displayed throughout this work, which pushes beyond simply aligning psychology and theology. Vaden offers a perspective on the self that is saturated in a biblical worldview, while equipping the reader with practical responses that can be offered to a culture in need of the self-awareness, social relations, and active practices of which he speaks.”

—Paul Loosemore, Covenant Theological Seminary



“Vaden believes we know ourselves better . . . in dialogue—between fallen human beings and a holy God, between Christian and secular understandings of human nature, and between self and other. Dialogue is our best and only means of seeing past the withered fig leaves of our myriad false selves. . . . Where Vaden excels is in his dialogical synthesis of biblical, historical, and contemporary perspectives. This is psychologically informed, pastorally sensitive work. We do well to listen, and reflect, with care.”

—Jonathan P. Badgett, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Product Details

• Title: The True Self and False Self: A Christian Perspective
• Authors: Eric L. Johnson, Matthew Brett Vaden
• Publisher: Pickwick Publications
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Ebook
• ISBNs: 9781725292710, 9781725292697, 9781725292703, 1725292718, 1725292696, 172529270X
• Resource ID: LLS:9781725292710
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-29T20:29:21Z

About the Authors

Matthew Brett Vaden is Director of the Three Fourteen Institute in St. Louis. He is an instructor at the St. Louis Campus of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.