Forget about Self-esteem

I was watching some Neon Genesis Evangelion the other day and I was struck by the emphasis placed on Existential beliefs such as “reality is what you make it” and “you have as much value as you choose to give yourself.” Indeed, “self-worth” and “worth” were used synonymously.

What is the problem with self-esteem?

Your value does not depend on how much you value yourself.

It doesn’t depend on you. It doesn’t depend on what you accomplish. It doesn’t depend on others.

Every human being has value because God loves him. Period.

This is just another example of modern philosophy’s (and psychology’s) tendency to think it can create reality rather than recognizing what is real.

2 Responses to “Forget about Self-esteem”

Gravatar Fiat:Responding to God’s Call » Blog Archive » The Need for Self-Love

[...] A few weeks ago, I heard a homilist (I can’t recall where I was, or when it was, unfortunately) rail against the notion that self-love/self-esteem is an important element of the Christian life. Just a few moments ago, I found a former classmate of mine saying much the same thing. [...]

Gravatar Josh Miller

Heya man, long time indeed! Theology school is treating me so well that it seems CSC is a million miles in the rear view mirror. And perhaps that’s precisely where it belongs :).

Yeah, I wasn’t taking issue with your post; I agree wholeheartedly with what you and the homilist I heard a couple weeks ago said. Just as my friend pointed out in the previous post, it’s tough to talk about self-esteem because you walk a fine line between emphasizing something worthwhile and getting things all messed up. Perhaps I didn’t make it clear enough in the original post that I agree with you.

How is theology school treating you? Hopefully you’re keeping Brotemarkle honest down there.

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