Soul vs. Self

I have begun reading (a novel concept in my life lately) Peterson's new book.  While I am only into the first chapter, I am thoroughly enjoying it, as with all of his other previous works.  He establishes an apt juxtaposition between the two words soul and self.  He writes that, "in our current culture, "soul" has given way to "self" as the term of choice to designate who and what we are.  Self is the soul minus God.  Self is what is left of soul with all the transcendence and intimacy squeezed out, the self with little or no reference to God (transcendence) or others (intimacy)."  I think this is an interesting observation that Peterson makes, as it quite accurately describes the state of so many people I know.  There is such a thrust these days to be self-actualized, self-aware, self-determining, and yet for all of the focus on self, so many are still discouraged and looking for something beyond their own self.  Thus the heightened interest in spirituality, and this too, is often divorced from any real notion of God.  Our society wants the benefits of the transcendent, without the sacrifice, or the submission that is required when serving a living God.  Self in the end, isolates one from  community, and so often results in fear and insecurity.  Instead, let us live and declare with David, in the fullness of the community, Bless the Lord, O my soul!

Comments

[Joseph Walker]

Peterson has been working with this kid all through spring training. Let's see how he does at this at bat. Here comes the pitch from contemporary spirituality - it looks like a curve ball, maybe a slider. He's ready - Poul is gonna swing - and crack - Poul puts one way out there in centre field and- - and - it's outta here!!