God, Freedom and Human Dignity: Embracing a God-Centered Identity in a Me-Centered Culture by Ron Highfield is split into two parts; “The Me-Centered Self” and “The God-Centered Self.” “The Me-Centered Self” explains how autonomous individuals also referred to as modern selves conceive of freedom and perceive God as an obstruction to freedom (Highfield 12). “The God-Centered Self” on the other hand expounds on Christians’ view of God as not only the self-giving Father but also the Son and Spirit that provides true identity, freedom and dignity (Highfield 13). These two parts are also subdivided into small chapters to make crucial contention on the questions about human freedom as well as dignity. In Chapter one, Highfield explores the social analysis by renowned persons such as Charles Taylor as well as Alasdair MacIntyre to create a real picture of the current self. According to this chapter, the
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According to these chapters, human beings perceive God as a superhuman being with qualities they would like to have (Highfield 13). Despite having differences with God, humans consider themselves very much alike to God. In support of this claim, the chapters assert that both humans and God are centers of not only desire but also will. According to the chapters, the difference between God and humans is evidenced by God’s ability to achieve desires as well as carry out His will; humans lack this ability. According to Highfield, such perceptions about God make people envious instead of developing the feeling of love. Chapter seven expounds on how the human view of freedom and dignity collapses because of living out God (Highfield 103). According to this chapter, human beings cannot enjoy happiness associated with their freedom, and their dignity cannot remain strong if they do not accept God as the source of
According to these chapters, human beings perceive God as a superhuman being with qualities they would like to have (Highfield 13). Despite having differences with God, humans consider themselves very much alike to God. In support of this claim, the chapters assert that both humans and God are centers of not only desire but also will. According to the chapters, the difference between God and humans is evidenced by God’s ability to achieve desires as well as carry out His will; humans lack this ability. According to Highfield, such perceptions about God make people envious instead of developing the feeling of love. Chapter seven expounds on how the human view of freedom and dignity collapses because of living out God (Highfield 103). According to this chapter, human beings cannot enjoy happiness associated with their freedom, and their dignity cannot remain strong if they do not accept God as the source of