recommending a Tim Keller book to me.
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness. It
is a sermon written down – from 1 Corinthians 3.21-4.7. While that may not
sound exhilarating, it does mean that the entire book can be read in little
more than 30 minutes. And it is Tim Keller afterall. He is always worth reading, as I
have tried to demonstrate here and here and here.
view of yourself was the problem with the world – but now it is having too low
a view of yourself that is the issue. Keller wades into this transition and as he
does so, he lifts the lid on the problem of ‘self-esteem’.
It is not a biblical construct. It is not really in the non-Western vocabulary.
That combo makes me so suspicious. Furthermore I have never been convinced that
a high self-esteem, or even a healthy self-esteem, is a guarantee of anything. Nor
have I ever been sure whether that desirable ‘healthy self-esteem’ is the issue. Shouldn’t the focus be on humility and pride – and ego, as Keller calls it? And
the clincher for me? I smell our culture’s deep problems with narcissism in
there somewhere.
starters). Plus because I am uncomfortable with the standard analysis of the problem out there, I tend not to like the standard solution either. I go looking elsewhere…
when the McGraths waded into this subject and then when John Stott had a chapter on ‘self-understanding’ in The Cross of Christ, there is nothing
quite like having a theologian get their hands on the topic. They have helped me so much over the years. So it is with Keller. The key statement in the book for me? “The essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less” (32). Just read that sentence again to make sure you got it :). The little refrain
in the book which keeps popping up is ‘I don’t care what you think and I don’t care what I think’. It is about self-forgetfulness and this makes sense because of the Cross.
gift to any reader of this post – if you can meet three criteria:
prayerfully and openly, in one sitting, at a time of the day when you are at your best;
New Zealand (unless you make a special plea!).
About Me
the art of unpacking
After a childhood in India, a theological training in the USA and a pastoral ministry in Southland (New Zealand), I spent twenty years in theological education in New Zealand — first at Laidlaw College and then at Carey Baptist College, where I served as principal. In 2009 I began working with Langham Partnership and since 2013 I have been the Programme Director (Langham Preaching). Through it all I've cherished the experience of the 'gracious hand of God upon me' and I've relished the opportunity to 'unpack', or exegete, all that I encounter in my walk through life with Jesus.
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Lovely post again Paul.
“The essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less”
So hard for so many to get to grips with this. It is not about me……..
Great post Paul…I am definitely a fan of Keller, so i know this little book will be well worth a read. This whole area is such a minefield to deal with, what with "heirs of God" at one end and lowly worm at the other. Throw in our own insecurities and image problems and all of a sudden preaching "fearfully and wonderfully made" isn't at all straight-forward! I find it hard to strike a balance between teaching who we are in Christ and most peoples current perception of themselves. no matter what you preach it seems like human nature to place ourselves at either end of the spectrum. I guess, to put a scriptural spin on it, that it is as John the baptist said, we must decrease so that He will increase.
Yet that seems so simplistic…stopping now to go and download Keller's book, where I am sure to find some well reasoned answers.
thanks again.
Thanks for sharing, Shannon – I find your comment about 'no matter what you preach, it seems like human nature to place ourselves at either end of the spectrum' to be very discerning.
Maybe it is a bit like the way the understanding of worldview has been shifting – away from merely a cognitive reality, to being much more inclusive of the affective as well. For there to be change we need to think right thoughts and feel right felts! … and while I'd still advocate trickle-down from thoughts to felts, we do need to reckon with the affective dimension in behavioural change far more.
By the way – the Keller books arrive any day now and I think I have about five more to give away … so be in. Don't be bashful 🙂
Paul
Thanks for the offer Paul – i am privileged to have a book allowance so i will have to admit to downloading it from Kindle already.
totally concur with your thoughts regards an affective approach – I think it seems easier to treat behavioural change in a cognitive sense because as preachers/teachers we have more control than relying on how people 'feel' about something.And we wouldn't want to be accused of preaching 'wishy-washy' pop psychology sermons : )
S
I always enjoyed Timothy Keller's work until I heard his views on women in ministry. What are your thoughts on his position?
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
I have not read/heard Keller on his view of women, but I suspect it is in line with the Gospel Coalition's statement on which I made a brief comment towards the end of a post last year:
http://www.paulwindsor.blogspot.co.nz/2011/04/stott-and-carson.html
So yes, 'anonymous'(!) – I am probably more with you here.
However, for myself, I do find it unwise to remove someone from my reading list on the basis of disagreement on a single issue. If I follow that approach I'll just keep hearing the reassuring echoes of what I already believe. I don't think that is much of a strategy for growth and change and maturity. So I do urge you to keep reading Keller :).
Best wishes – Paul
I would like to share some info about Spiral2grow Self Esteem NYC they also provide anger management service.