Biblical Answer

Understanding the Crisis of Identity

The feeling of losing one's sense of identity is a common experience in today's world. This crisis is often attributed to the pressure to express and fully actualize one's identity, especially in the context of sexual identity. However, as Christians, we are reminded that our identity is not solely defined by our experiences or feelings. Our identity is rooted in who we are in Christ, and we are not crushed by the obligation of having fully to express or understand ourselves here and now.

The Illusion of Self-Definition

The idea that our identity must be expressed and fully actualized can lead to a false sense of self-definition. We begin to see ourselves as the final court of appeal in questions about our own identity, rather than recognizing that our selves are a gift from God. This possessive individualism can lead to a commodification of identity, where we see ourselves as products to be marketed and consumed. As Christians, we must resist this temptation and remember that our identity is not our own to define. We are not the owners of our own identity, but rather, we are owned by God.

The Paradigm of Love

The paradigm of love offers a different perspective on identity, one that is intentional and relational. Our identity is not a private atom, but rather, it has the same structure as our experiences and relationships. We are not alone in our identity, but rather, we are found in our appearances and in the minds of those who understand us. This understanding is rooted in the idea that our identity is not solely our own, but rather, it is a gift from God. As Christians, we must seek to understand our identity in light of this paradigm, recognizing that our identity is not something to be defined by ourselves, but rather, it is something to be discovered and lived out in relationship with God and others.