Response: Simon's Blog [Week 8]

Simon Castagna mentioned in his post on Bevans breakdown of the transcendental model of contextual theology that, "I think God reveals himself to people who genuinely search for him, but in my opinion we can't rely only on subjectivity." In the end, I tend to agree with his analysis that, "We have sinful natures and our subjectivity is flawed."

But Simon's comments got me thinking that, if you drill down further, one could argue that the power of the Word of God transforming people that search is bigger than subjectivity itself. And when Paul describes this dramatic change in our hearts and minds as Jesus Christ living within us, we "put off the old man with his deeds" and "put on the new man" and we are "renewed" in knowledge and in the spirit of our minds (Colossians 3:9-10). Of course, the creation of righteous character is a two-way process. God gives us the knowledge and all the power we need. But we supply the choice to live righteously.

Reading: Barker [Identity]

It seems to me that ones identity is formed by a self-realization in subjectivity. I guess you have to make a term for everything, but "subjectivity" is a term that seems to be a waste of space since one can find their identity in their talents, community, or actions. A soldier returning from war may not view themselves as a "hero" per say, but to many that is exactly what they are. The individual may not experience themselves this way, but the reality is that from an outside perspective is objective rather than subjective.

So maybe it is a matter of perspective rather than experience. Either way, personally I have found my identity within myself. One of my favorite lyrics is by Sting, who sings, "Be yourself, no matter what they say." Whoever yourself may be, and however you find yourself, be true to yourself. Unless you'd rather live a lie. In that case, you are just a tool. The truth hurts.