Biblical Answer

Can I still be me?

The question of identity is a crucial one, especially when it comes to our relationship with God. As Saint Benedict notes, "Who am I becoming?" (70) This question gets to the heart of our identity and our purpose in life. The Bible teaches us that we are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27) and that we are called to become like Christ (Romans 8:29). This means that we are not just who we are today, but we are becoming who God wants us to be.

The idea that we are becoming someone new is not a threat to our identity, but rather an opportunity for growth and transformation. As Andy says, "I am not yet in the ascended state...so you do not have to hang on to me as if I were about to disappear permanently" (95). This means that we are not stuck in our current state, but rather we are being formed and shaped into the person God wants us to be. This process of becoming is not just about changing who we are, but about becoming who God created us to be.

So, can I still be me? The answer is yes, but with a caveat. We are becoming a new person, one who is like Christ. This means that we are taking on new characteristics, new values, and new purposes. We are not just being the same person we have always been, but rather we are becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is a beautiful thing, and it is something to be celebrated. As Saint Benedict says, "The question behind the question is, Is there hope? Yes. There's hope. There's a way back" (185). The way back is not about going back to who we were, but about becoming who God wants us to be.