“The egoist is actually self-loathing”. I came across this idea recently. The idea comes from a soldier’s thoughts on his service during the First World War. More broadly he is considering philosophy as self-serving methods for chasing a false fulfillment, ultimately stemming from a person’s disdain for themselves. The author continues the thought pattern by putting forward that many people find it hard to think well of themselves and it shocks them when they are found to be heroic or worthy in some way. This is all a bit deep for me and I cannot make a coherent argument for or against. But I think there is a Biblical ideal here.
The Pharisees attempted to prove themselves worthy on a constant basis. The tax collectors and sinners chased wealth or pleasure in attempt to bolster the ego. The Roman Leadership exercised boldness and power that they might feel superior. Were they not all chasing something?
…You are not your own, for you were bought with a price… (1 Cor. 6:19-20)
In this part of Corinthians, Saint Paul is speaking specifically about sexual immorality. Yet is this not a central theme of the New Testament? We were bought, we were redeemed through His work and we are no longer our own. This is were the Christian Idea distinguishes itself from philosophy. We must admit our sinfulness in the understanding that He still considers us worthy to be in His presence. Self-loathing has no home in us. We must admit that we are part of something much greater, the Kingdom of God. In this life’s ultimate value is not in our story or our authenticity but in His Will.
Whatever we may suffer, that His will be done is the final Glory. Whatever happens, that we endure in Faith until the final bell is the only thing that matters. Happy Advent!
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