The Danger of Introspectionism in Evangelical Culture

Self-Examination or Introspection?

The Hermeneutic of Genesis Three

Some people dwell so much on their sinfulness that they constantly bombard their status with doubt. We call this introspectionism which is a method adopted by many in the evangelical world of studying our own self-thoughts, perceptions, and feelings. It is like a “primal emotional pigment that colors the image of everything.”¹ Once we embrace a model of theologizing that looks strictly within, we begin to see faults everywhere and put our objective status (Rom. 5:1) at risk.

We will offer ourselves an endless cycle of woes: “Am I really a Christian?” “Am I worthy?” “Should I be baptized again?” “Did my decision really count ten years ago?”These questions are not atypical of those who grow up in environments where internalized Christianity is emphasized. We are not denying that there is a healthy self-examination. Paul exhorts pastors to encourage parishioners to examine themselves (II Cor. 13:5). At the same time, there is a fundamental difference between self-examination and introspection.