Why can't your identity just come from your being there? My identity isn't locked into my "plusses and minuses." It's locked into the reality of my existence, that I can't NOT have an identity.

This is just religio-babble.
theomorph | Homepage | 04.22.04 - 1:03 pm | #

Great question.

Either it is religio-babble OR it explains something about the nature of human nature and our longing for significance. Personally I have an innate sense that my life has an eternal dimension.

GHT
Glenn | 04.22.04 - 4:05 pm | #

Explanations make something easier to understand. How does that quote make human nature easier to understand?
theomorph | Homepage | 04.22.04 - 7:12 pm | #

Perhaps its not that easy. The quote just expresses one perspective about the way in which identity and God are linked and I think -- a good one.

Thanks for the comments,
GHT
Glenn Teal | 04.23.04 - 2:40 pm | #

Doesn't matter if it's "that easy." You said that quote "explains something about the nature of human nature."

So I'm asking you, what does it explain?

You admitted that it is either religio-babble or an explanation. If it doesn't explain anything, then it must be the former.
theomorph | Homepage | 04.23.04 - 3:51 pm | #

Manning makes the point that identity based on self is inaccurate and leads to trouble and that identity based on God's love is a healthier measure.

I agree.

You don't.

It explains why so many people feel disatisfied with their identity -- it has no transcendent connection.

GHT
Glenn Teal | 04.23.04 - 3:59 pm | #

I feel a transcendent connection in my identity, but it has nothing to do with God.

Rather, it has to do with two things:

(1) As a living thing I carry genetic material that is older than anyone knows and am, in a sense, a walking library of ancient life. This is something I can feel when my instincts make their (perhaps too) frequent attempts on my rationality.

(2) As a thinking and contributing member of society, I work to make a mark on the people around me and the world at large, affecting patterns of thought, producing insights (I hope) and in general trying to leave the world a better place than I found it.

(You might say that (1) is genetic and (2) is memetic.)

At any rate, I do not feel existentially isolated, and feel no need to turn to God for "spiritual" needs.
theomorph | Homepage | 04.23.04 - 8:29 pm | #