the-freedom-of-self

Keller explores a countercultural approach to self-identity through the apostle Paul’s teachings in 1 Corinthians. Paul’s declaration that he cares very little about being judged by the Corinthians or any human court establishes the foundation for what Keller presents as a transformed view of the self. Paul’s self-worth and identity remain entirely independent of external evaluation—his identity owes nothing to what people say about him.

Paul takes this perspective even further, in a manner that defies conventional wisdom. He declares that he will not even judge himself. Paul refuses to connect his sins with his identity, choosing not to see accomplishments as something to celebrate or his failures as something that would destroy his sense of self. Although he knows himself to be a sinner, that fact does not stop him from doing the things he is called to do. This stands in stark contrast to the modern approach to self-esteem, which—in Keller’s view—attempts to remedy low self-worth by convincing people to see themselves as great and accomplished. Modern therapeutic culture tells people to stop worrying about what others think and to set their own standards, making their own evaluation of themselves. Keller argues that Paul’s approach exposes this solution as a trap.