Lesson 2. Christian or Biblical View of Self.pdf

The Christian or biblical view of the self is grounded in the belief that every person is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:27). The self is not merely a physical or intellectual being but a spiritual and moral person designed for a relationship with God.

The body, soul, and spirit together form the human person, reflecting divine purpose.

Sin separates the self from God, but through faith in Jesus Christ, the self is redeemed and restored.

The true identity of a person lies in being a child of God, living according to His will and moral teachings.

Thus, the biblical view defines the self as God-centered, created for love, service, and eternal life, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity and spiritual growth.

1. MODULE 1
CONCEPT AND
NATURE OF SELF

2. This module is composed of
three lessons:
Lesson 1 : The Philosophical View of
Self
Lesson 2 : The Christian or Biblical view
of Self
Lesson 3 : The Psychological View of Self

3. LESSON 2
THE CHRISTIAN OR
BIBLICAL VIEW OF
SELF
Understanding the Self in
Light of Scripture and
Christian Philosophy

4. Let’s think!
1.What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
2.How does being the “crown of creation” affect human
responsibilities?
3.What role does love play in Christian life according to
St. Augustine?
4.Why does St. Thomas Aquinas emphasize reason in
understanding the self?

5. The HOLY BIBLE
“God created man on His image; in the divine image He
created him; male and female He created them. God
blessed them, saying “Be fertile and multiply; fill the
earth and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the
sea, the birds in the air, and all the living things that
move on the earth.”
Gen. 1:24-28

6. The Self as the Crown of Creation
According to the Holy Writ, man following his redemption by the
Savior from eternal bondage, now shares in the infinite merits of
his Redeemer and has become not only the inheritor of the new
earth but also the heir of heavenly kingdom.
Thus, it is appropriate to think of the self as the multi-bejeweled
crown of creation-the many gems thereof representing and
radiating the glorious facets of man’s self and that includes:

7. The Self as the Crown of Creation
Physical
Intellectual
Moral
Religious
Social
PoliticalEconomic
Emotional
Sentient
Aesthetic
Sensual
&
Sexual
(bodily existence)
(reason and wisdom)
(ethics and virtues)
(spirituality and faith)
(relationships and community)
(governance and responsibility)(work and productivity)
(feelings and experiences)
(awareness and
perception)
(appreciation of beauty)
(human love and procreation)

8. St. Augustine –
Love and Justice as
the Foundation of the
Self
He believes that a virtuous life is a
dynamism of love. It is constant following
of and turning towards love while a wicked
life is a constant turning away from love.
Loving God means loving one’s fellowmen;
and loving one’ fellowmen denote never
doing any harm to another or, as the
golden principle of justice states, doing
unto others as you would have them do
unto you.

9. St. Augustine –
Love and Justice as
the Foundation of the
Self
Love as the Essence of Virtue:
•A virtuous life is a constant turning
towards love , while a wicked life is
turning away from it.
•Love of God leads to love for fellow
humans.
Justice as Love in Action:
•True justice follows the Golden Rule : Do
unto others as you would have them do
unto you.

10. St. Thomas Aquinas
- The Rational and
Moral Self
•Man as a Rational Being:
•Humans are endowed with
intellect and will, allowing them
to seek truth and goodness.
•Happiness and the Ultimate Good:
•True fulfillment comes from
knowing and loving God .

11. St. Thomas Aquinas
- The Rational and
Moral Self
The Four Levels of Law:
•Eternal Law (God’s divine wisdom)
•Natural Law (moral order in nature)
•Human Law (laws for society)
•Divine Law (revealed in Scripture)

13. Let’s answer!
1.What does it mean to be created in God’s
image?
✓It means humans have inherent dignity, the ability to reason, make
moral decisions, and have a spiritual relationship with God.
✓Just as God, the Creator, designed humans with purpose and
intelligence, animators and information systems developers create
digital worlds and systems that reflect structure, logic, and creativity.

14. Let’s think!
2.How does being the “crown of creation” affect human
responsibilities?
✓It means humans are stewards of creation and should act with wisdom and care
toward the environment and others. As humans are stewards of creation, IT
professionals have the responsibility to create digital content and systems that
benefit society.
✓Animators should produce media that promotes good values, educates, and
inspires positive change.
✓Information Systems professionals must develop ethical, sustainable, and secure
digital solutions that contribute to a better world.

15. Let’s think!
3.What role does love play in Christian life according to St.
Augustine?
✓Love is central to virtue; loving God leads to loving others, and justice
follows from true love.
✓Animators can use their skills to create stories that promote love,
empathy, and justice—whether in films, games, or interactive media.
✓Information Systems professionals can design technology that
connects people, fosters collaboration, and supports social good,
such as apps that promote mental health, education, or disaster
response.

16. Let’s think!
4.Why does St. Thomas Aquinas emphasize
reason in understanding the self?
✓Reason helps us understand truth, make moral choices, and align
our lives with God’s divine plan.
✓Animators use reason and logic in storytelling, character
development, and physics-based animations to make their work
realistic and meaningful.
✓Information Systems professionals rely on logic, data analysis,
and structured thinking to create systems that solve real-world
problems.

17. Let’s think!
1.What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
2.How does being the “crown of creation” affect human
responsibilities?
3.What role does love play in Christian life according to
St. Augustine?
4.Why does St. Thomas Aquinas emphasize reason in
understanding the self?