Editorial

At MECS our Year 12 students undertake a non-VCE or VCE VM subject called Philosophy of Ideas (POI). It is an honour to teach this as we get to have really meaningful conversations about culture and faith. One of the most important aims of POI is to help our students think critically about the subliminal messages that our society sends in all sorts of ways, most powerfully through film and social media. Often, we are so immersed in a cultural narrative that we don’t even realise it might be something to critique. 

This is famously illustrated by an image where two young fish are asked by an older fish, “'How’s the water?’ and one young fish turns to the other and says, 'What is water?'" 

One such recent narrative is a concept coined “Expressive Individualism”.  

You may have heard the following phrases: 

• “You be you” 
• “Be true to yourself” 
• “Follow your heart”
• “Find yourself”  
• “I’m living my truth” 
• “Be authentic” 

There is a lot that is positive about these phrases. Respect for others and encouragement to be who we were designed to be are all important values that are supported Biblically. However, there are aspects that we might consider challenging as Christians. 

Below is a definition of “Expressive Individualism” that may be of interest. 

“Expressive Individualism” suggests not only a desire to pursue one’s own path but also a yearning for fulfillment through the definition and articulation of one’s own identity. It is a drive both to be more like whatever you already are and also to live in society by fully asserting who you are. The capacity of individuals to define the terms of their own existence by defining their personal identities is increasingly equated with liberty and with the meaning of some of our basic rights, and it is given pride of place in our self-understanding”. (Yuval Levin, The Fractured Republic) 

Trevin Wax has also written some interesting and helpful articles for Christians on this topic. There are links below if you would like to read further.  

In short, Trevin suggests consideration of the following points.  

Community 

Advanced stages of expressive individualism are characterised by isolation. Over time, we lose the willingness to create and sustain close bonds of friendship, because these relationships may require something of us, maybe sacrifice or compromise some part of ourselves. In this environment, Christians have the opportunity to be salt and light. Our beliefs should not be inherently isolating but should turn us outward in love to God and neighbour. 

Identity 

As Christians we are called to discover “who we are” by looking upward to God who bestows his image upon us, rather than looking inward. Being image-bearers of God, both elevates and humbles us. It reminds us that our reason for being is due to a higher calling whilst reminding us that we are, in fact, not God.  

Dying to self 

We have the opportunity to stand out in the world by choosing to die to our “old” selves; to repent and claim God’s grace over those parts of our lives that prevent us from being who we're really created to be; and to lay our lives down for something greater than ourselves. 

I hope that this gives some food for thought as well as a little window into some of the important conversations that we get to have with our senior students as we prepare them to be thoughtful and discerning thinkers in the world we live in. 

Trevin Wax, Why Is Expressive Individualism a Challenge for the Church?  

Trevin Wax, The Faithful Church in an Age of Expressive Individualism 

Amelia Koole 

VET and Careers Coordinator