Self-esteem’ is one of those concepts that has made in into the category of ‘unquestioned wisdom’ in our culture. We talk about it all the time as if we all know and agree what it means and why it matters. But just as an experiment, ask yourself, what does self-esteem actually mean? If you find this tricky, don’t worry, the experts can’t agree either. But whatever it is, we’re all agreed that its important. Our culture is quite convinced that ‘low self-esteem’ is at the root of many of our problems, and that ‘higher self-esteem’, would solve them.
This is just our latest attempt to address the gaping, aching problem of ourselves: the human condition. The question is whether this attempt leads us to truth, freedom and healing or further damages us. If me even voicing the suggestion that ‘self-esteem’ may be a damaging concept that shows only how great a hold on us this ideology has achieved.
But the cross shows a different way. Come along this Sunday as we explore our culture, the cross and the problem of our ‘selfs’.
