Biblical Answer

The Question of Identity

The question of identity is a complex and multifaceted issue that has puzzled philosophers and theologians for centuries. According to the provided text, the question is not simply "Am I becoming a person?" but rather "Who or what am I becoming?" This suggests that our identity is not fixed or static, but rather is constantly evolving and changing as we grow and develop. This idea is echoed in the words of Saint Benedict, who asks us to sit with the question "Who am I becoming?" This implies that our identity is not something that we can simply define or pin down, but rather is a dynamic and ongoing process.

The Nature of Identity

So, what does it mean to be a person? According to Ricceur, our identity consists of an ipse identity, which is a constancy over time that consists in us holding ourselves to certain commitments, roles, or activities. This suggests that our identity is not just a product of our genetic makeup or our external circumstances, but rather is shaped by our choices and commitments. This idea is also reflected in the words of the apostle Paul, who writes that "you have been formed already... you are being formed even now as you read" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). This suggests that our identity is not something that we can simply discover or define, but rather is something that we are constantly becoming.

The Christian Perspective

From a Christian perspective, our identity is not just a product of our own choices and commitments, but is also shaped by our relationship with God. As the apostle Paul writes, "I am he who will be there with you" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). This suggests that our identity is not just something that we can define or control, but is also something that is shaped by our relationship with God. This idea is reflected in the words of Saint Benedict, who asks us to sit with the question "Who am I becoming?" This implies that our identity is not just a product of our own choices and commitments, but is also shaped by our relationship with God and our commitment to following Him. Ultimately, our identity is not something that we can simply define or control, but is something that is constantly evolving and changing as we grow and develop in our relationship with God.