In October I was honored to be one of the main presenters at the Streaming conference at Rochester University. The topic of the conference was theological anthropology. Who are we as human beings?
One of the big points I made was that, across the board, we tend to think that our fundamental problem as human beings is affirmation. A lack of affirmation, specifically. From therapy sessions, to self-help books, to the content of worship songs, to sermons, we emphasize affirmation. Self-affirmation. Affirmation from others. Affirmation from God.
It is true, I pointed out, that we need affirmation. Don't hear me suggesting otherwise. Shame is psychologically, relationally, and spiritually crippling. And yet, I went on to argue, our deepest need isn't affirmation but stability and grounding.
Who are we as human beings? We are creatures. Which means we are, by nature, ontologically unstable. In Biblical language we are dust. We are like the grass that quickly springs up and then withers under the sun. We cannot hold ourselves in being.
This ontological instability creates psychological instability. Simple introspection reveals this, that felt sense that we are, at root, a bundle of neurotic symptoms and insecurities. The ego isn't a steady beacon or a firm foundation.
The point to note here is that affirmation, as vital as it may be, doesn't address this instability. You can affirm me, but I'm still a mess. I can affirm myself, but I'm still a mess. And the worship song and the sermon can tell me that God loves me, but I'm still a mess.
In short, while affirmation is important, our critical situation as creatures is that of dependency, our need for support, solidity, and grounding.
In the language of Psalm 28, beyond a "Love Wins" affirmation from God and everyone else, our most pressing and vital need is stabilization. Given our insubstantial nature and unsteady egos, we need a rock to stand on.
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