Ch. 2 Individualism

Two types of individualism

1. Utilitarian Individualism

2. Expressive Individualism

Individualism

The belief that the individual is primary reality and that our understanding of the universe and lifestyle should be centered in oneself

Utilitarian Individualism

1. Focuses on personal achievement and material success

2. Believes the social good automatically follows from individual pursuit of your own interests

3. Fueled by the quest of American Dream

4. Believes rule and laws help those who are honest and hard working

Expressive Individualism

1. No need to obey laws that can hinder you

2. Worship the freedom to express our uniqueness against constraints and conventions

3. Bc. rules and social conventions encourage conformity, they are viewed as a threat to personal expressions and individuality

4. Don’t want to be absorbed into the herd

Comparison

Where utilitarian individualism sees our social system as a means for attaining our individual goals, expressive individualism generally views these systems as obstacles to individual freedom

Individualism’s influence on Christians

“My faith is between me and God”

“My religion is a personal thing”

“I believe in God. I don’t need to go to church”

I am the primary reality in the universe

• At the heart of individualism lies the belief that each individual person constitutes the center of one’s universe

• The truth is, humans (especially Americans) are the most self-centered that we care to admit (Wilkins and Sanford)

My end justifies my means

• When I picture myself as the central reality, my goals have greater significance than those of any other person or group

• Whenever success at any endeavor is a highly valued goal, the rationale justifies behaviors that others find questionable

Truth in Individualism - Individualism acknowledges the extent of our freedom and the responsibility that comes with freedom

• Individualism reminds us that responsibility is not limited to situations in which conditions are favorable

• While it acknowledges that we are often subject to force beyond our power, and that the people and institutions that should care for and protect us often fail in those duties

Logotherapy

Emphasizes our enormous autonomy to respond to whatever circumstances confront us (Victor Frankl)

Truth in Individualism

Affirms my need to make a difference

Truth in individualism - Recognizes the strength of chosen beliefs

• Will you have a stronger sense of commitment to beliefs, whether political, religious or moral, are generally held with greater conviction

• Will you have a stronger sense of commitment to beliefs that you have freely chosen or to beliefs that are forced on you

Potential Problems of Individualism- It is constructed on a flawed view of reality; 3 convictions of individualism

1. That self is the universes ultimate reality

2. Each individual should seek self-sufficiency

3. We control our own destiny

Individualism has a flawed view of freedom and achievement

It measures a persons value by performance