VIDEO SERIES · GOSPEL CITY NETWORK

About this Video Series

In today’s world, personal identity is crucial. Self-discovery through introspection is widely embraced, while questioning it is seen as a threat.
Brian Rosner argues that personal identity is shaped not only by introspection but also by looking at relationships, reflecting on life stories, and seeking a connection with God.

 

In this book, Rosner guides readers in grappling with important questions of our time. By challenging the existing norms, he presents an alternative approach to forming one’s identity that leads to a more secure and joyful self-awareness: developing an intimate and personal relationship with God and following the example set by Jesus.

This video series delves into the today’s prevailing notions of self-creation and expressive individualism. In contrast, Brian Rosner introduces a thought-provoking paradox: the pursuit of a true and lasting sense of self often involves relinquishing self-assertion and embracing a new, God-given identity.

Introduction to the Video Series

EP1: Looking For Yourself

This episode discusses the significance of personal identity and the message of ‘being yourself’. It highlights the limitations of solely looking inward for personal identity and suggests a biblical alternative.

EP2: You are a Social Being

Personal autonomy versus belong to others, which is better? While today’s society values self-definition, belonging to someone else can be a good and liberating experience, especially in the context of love and redemption.

EP3: You are Your Story

Continuing the discussion of the biblical message of identity versus expressive individualism, this episode emphasises the role of external intervention, specifically Jesus Christ, as the key to discovering a satisfying sense of self.

EP4: The New You – Loosing & Finding Yourself

This episode highlights the ironies and contradictions surrounding modern identity formation, challenging prevailing notions of self-creation and self-definition while emphasising the answer to a lasting and genuine sense of self.

Meet the Speaker

Brian Rosner

Principal of Ridley College

Brian Rosner (PhD, Cambridge) is principal of Ridley College in Melbourne, Australia. He previously taught at the University of Aberdeen and Moore Theological College. Rosner is the author or editor of over a dozen books, including Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity. He is married to Natalie and has four children.

Resources

Never has it been more important, culturally speaking, to know who you are and be true to yourself. Expressive individualism—the belief that looking inward is the way to find yourself—has become the primary approach to identity formation, and questioning anyone’s “self-made self” is often considered a threat or attack. Challenging the status quo, Brian Rosner offers an approach to identity formation that leads to more secure and joyful self-knowledge: being known intimately and personally by God and following the script of Jesus’s life story.

crossway store

Many Christians, often without even realizing it, struggle with a type of Christian perfectionism. How can Christians wholeheartedly pursue God without an undercurrent of guilt, fear, or anxiety? How can imperfect people experience God’s peace while seeking to obey his perfect standards?

buy a copy

As kids grow up, they hear many conflicting messages about how they can define themselves. This warm, realistic, and sympathetic book, written by father of three and founder of Faith in Kids, Ed Drew, provides much needed biblical help for parents on this topic. It shows parents how to encourage their kids to find their identity in the fact that they are made and loved by Jesus, and it explores the implications and applications of this truth.

buy a copy

More Resources

  • All Post
  • Resources