Self-Actualization and the Radical Gospel: Second Edition
Ebook
Can today's Christians reconcile a belief in self-actualization with the extreme ethical demands of the New Testament? The author argues that they can, although not easily, and that the felt uneasiness between two concerns--self-fulfillment and self-gift--may generate a healthy tension. There is then an apparent mismatch between two views of ethics. On the one hand, psychological humanism is based on self-affirmation, acceptance of one's limitations, moderation, and the search for a quality of life in the midst of globalization. On the other hand, the radicalism of the gospel emphasizes passion (in the two senses of this word), self-transcendence towards the infinite, and generosity for God and others. Nonetheless, these two tendencies are neither incompatible nor easily reconcilable. The book uncovers both the pitfalls of self-actualization and the misleading interpretations that have disfigured the radical gospel. It highlights the developmental factors, views of human life, successes, and failures which play a considerable role in a person's journey. It brings psychological, biblical, philosophical, theological, and pastoral clarifications to bear on the issues. This book will help its readers to grasp what a psychologically informed Christian ethic can be, both intellectually and practically.
“Louis Roy tackles one of the more difficult questions of our time: How can one be fully human and profoundly Christian at the same time? Roy takes seriously both the psychologies of self-fulfillment and the movement toward self-transcendence. Anyone who desires to be both truly human and yet faithful to the gospel will want to read this book and will benefit from its insights.”
—Donald J. Goergen, Aquinas Institute of Theology
“Louis Roy does a masterful job of debunking the common notion that self-transcendence and self-actualization are intrinsically opposed, and rather suggests that a proper understanding of each reveals their intrinsic and dynamic complementarity. In doing so, he explores a range of thinkers—from Aristotle and Aquinas to Lonergan and Kristeva—in an accessible way that yet honors their depth and subtlety. A rich resource for anyone entrusted with the care of souls, minds, and hearts.”
—Joseph J. Guido, Providence College
“In conversation with many voices from the disciplines of psychology and philosophy, Louis Roy demonstrates that love of self and love of other are complementary, not opposed. He then engages the voice of Christian faith, asserting that believers experience this reality through the self-gift of a Trinitarian God whose very being is mutual giving and receiving of love.”
—Marielle Frigge, Mount Marty University
“Are ‘self-realization,’ understood as psychological fulfillment, and a radical following of the gospel at odds? Can we be both enculturated and countercultural in a discerning way? For answers, Self-Actualization and the Radical Gospel a read. Louis Roy will provide the psychological and philosophical depth for an amazing synthesis!”
—Carla Mae Streeter, Aquinas Institute of Theology
“An insightful update to a previous gem, Louis Roy presents an accessible roadmap toward authentic self-actualization within God’s radical embrace. In helping the reader to understand the role of feelings, wants, and personal values, Roy leads us through the challenges of twenty-first-century living toward knowing ourselves and God authentically.”
—Susan L. Gray, Lonergan Research Centre, Ottawa
- Title: Self-Actualization and the Radical Gospel: Second Edition
- Author: Louis Roy
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Print Publication Date: 2022
- Logos Release Date: 2022
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781666794403, 9781666794397, 9781666736274, 1666794406, 1666794392, 1666736279
- Resource ID: LLS:9781666794403
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-11-12T21:35:07Z
Louis Roy, a Dominican friar from Canada, received a PhD from Cambridge University. He was a professor at Boston College for twenty-one years and now teaches at Dominican University College in Ottawa. He is interested mainly in the relations between Christianity and cultures, interreligious dialogue, spirituality, and mysticism. Among his books are Coherent Christianity, Embracing Desire, and The Feeling of Transcendence, an Experience of God?