From a theological viewpoint, this book explores the junction between the philosophical existential idea of the authentic self and its cultural appropriation. The text builds on the theology of John Macquarrie and the narrative formation of identity to construct a theological definition of authentic selfhood. It then contrasts this definition with the common idea that authenticity, in the moral sense, can be used to justify any action. The author argues that this is not genuine authenticity. Instead, they consider that authenticity rests upon loyalty to something greater than oneself, and for Christians this is the character of the God in whose image they are created and are being formed. This book is illuminating reading for students and scholars of theological anthropology, pastroral theology, ethics and moral philosophy.
Introduction 1. What is Authenticity? 2. Human Becoming and the Image of God 3. Identity and the "True Self" 4. Identity as formed in Narrative 5. The Social Human 6. Authenticity: A Definition 7. Authenticity: the definition tested Conclusion
Biography
Christy Capper is an Anglican priest and academic. She is currently the Deputy Warden and Lecturer in Systematic theology at Wollaston Theological College, Perth, and was previously the Vice-Principal and Director of Missiology at Uniting College and Adelaide College of Divinity and a lecturer in theology at Flinders University. Christy is interested in constructive theology, theological anthropology, and feminist theologies.
