Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life CMS-021 and 022: Thinking Scripture

Transcription

1 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life CMS-021 and 022: Thinking Scripture Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 1

2 And now, "Thinking" Heart Mind Being Thinking Soul Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 2

3 The Event Perception of the Event Appraisal The Filters S A M B A K Yes Representation V Heart No Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 3

4 Appraisal People often Appraise an Event (about a person, an object, or a situation) selectively, focusing on some features while disregarding others. They interpret the features in terms of previously acquired concepts and knowledge. Moreover, they often infer characteristics of the event that were not actually mentioned in the information, and construe relations among these characteristics that were not specified ("going beyond the information given", Bruner, 1957b). Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 4

5 Representation In short, the Cognitive Representations that people form of an event differ in a variety of ways from the information on which they were based. Yet it is ultimately these representations, and not the original event, that govern subsequent thoughts, judgments, and behaviors. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 5

6 The Appraisal Filters = Representation Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 6

7 Knowledge Self Concept The Appraisal Filters Attitude Mood Attribution Beliefs Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 7

8 A person's mood is the repertoire of emotions and thoughts experienced at a particular time. In normal functioning, moods are largely adaptive to external events. An optimist and a pessimist evaluate a situation relatively favorably and unfavorably, respectively. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 8

9 Knowledge In common parlance, knowledge is the possession of information. Certain philosophers, however, choose to define these concepts in a technical way, different from their everyday use. According to philosophic jargon, Knowledge can be defined as information associated with an intentionality. Both knowledge and information consist of true statements. But knowledge can be considered as information that has a purpose or use. The study of knowledge is called epistemology. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 9

10 A script is a knowledge structure, which describes the adequate sequence of events of familiar situations, for instance the script of a restaurant situation. It includes information about the fixed aspect of the situation, for example, all Mexican restaurants serve Mexican food. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 10

11 The self-concept consists of the self-image and the selfesteem. The self-concept (self-identity) is the mental notion a person has about his: physical, psychological, and social attributes; as well as his: attitudes, beliefs and Ideas. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 11

12 In psychology, self-esteem is the person's self-image from an emotional level; circumventing reason and logic. The maintenance of a healthy degree of self-esteem is a central task within psychotherapy, where patients often suffer from excess degrees of self-criticism, hampering their ability to function. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 12

13 A person's self image is the mental picture, generally of a kind that is quite resistant to change, that depicts not only details that are potentially available to objective investigation by others (height, weight, hair color, nature of external genitalia, I.Q. score, is this person double-jointed, etc.), but also items that have been learned by that person about himself or herself, either from personal experience or by internalizing the judgments of others. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 13

14 Self Verification: The process of seeking out and interpreting situations so as to confirm one's self-concept. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 14

15 Attitude An attitude is "a psychological tendency that is expressed by evaluating a particular entity with some degree of favor or disfavor" (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993, p. 1). A widely accepted definition of an attitude is offered by Judd, Ryan, & Parke, (1991). "evaluations of various objects that are stored in memory". Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 15

16 Attitude Component Characteristics Examples: Affect: Emotional reactions"i like..."; -or- "... makes me angry Cognition: Internalized mental representations, beliefs, thoughts; "My co-workers should..."; -or- "If... then... Behavior: The tendency to respond or overtly act in a particular way toward the attitude object; "I always do..."; -or- "... makes me angry" Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 16

17 Attribution The process by which people use information to make inferences about the causes of behavior or events. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 17

18 A decision-frame is the decision-maker's subjective conception of the acts, outcomes and contingencies associated with a particular choice. The frame that a decision maker adopts is controlled partly by the formulation of the problem and by the norms, habits, and personal characteristics of the decision maker. It is often possible to frame a given decision problem in more than one way. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 18

19 Belief An estimate of the probability that something is true. Belief in the psychological sense, is a representational mental state that takes the form of a propositional attitude. In the religious sense, "belief" refers to a part of a wider spiritual or moral foundation, generally called faith. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 19

20 Belief Belief is considered propositional in that it is an assertion, claim or expectation about reality that is presumed to be either true or false (even if this cannot be practically determined, such as a belief in the existence of a particular deity). Historically, philosophical attempts to analyze the nature of belief have been couched in terms of judgement. Both David Hume and Immanuel Kant are both particularly well known for their analyses using this framework. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 20

21 Values Enduring beliefs about important life goals that transcend specific situations. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 21

22 The Event Perception of the Event Appraisal The Filters S A M B A K Yes Representation V Heart No Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 22

23 How do we reconcile these two verses? 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Romans 8:7-8 (NKJV) 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 23

24 How about these two? Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 1 John 1:8 (NKJV) 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 24

25 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 25

26 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Gal. 5:17 The Battleground! Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 26

27 Religious Lust Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 27

28 Divine Righteousness Imputed Imparted Justification Sanctification Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 28

29 Divine Righteousness Imputed Imparted Position Justification Sanctification Practice Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 29

30 Position Imputed Divine Righteousness Justification Thes 2:13 But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 30

31 2 Thes 5:21 But examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good; 22 abstain from every form of evil. 23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass. Divine Righteousness Imparted Sanctification Practice Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 31

32 A Thinking Process Example James 1:2 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 32

33 A Thinking Process Example James 1:2 Perceiving is crucial! You must know you are being tempted! Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 33

34 A Thinking Process Example James 1:2 Perceiving is crucial! What you don't know can hurt you Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 34

35 A Thinking Process Example Epignosis Knowledge Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 35

36 A Thinking Process Example Your Representation should be "Joy" Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 36

37 A Thinking Process Example One Spiritual Decision built on another produces growth. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 37

38 A Thinking Process Example Patience: Hupomeno - Spiritual and Doctrinal Orientation under any Circumstance! Patience guides your Volitional decision at the Representation Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 38

39 Spiritual Orientation: Walking by means of the Spirit (Resistance and Recovery). Doctrinal Orientation: Biblical Thinking (Maximum Bible Doctrine Application in the Soul = Sophia-Wisdom). DO + SO = VO (What verse does this bring to mind?!) Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 39

40 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Philippians 2:13 for it is God [the Holy Spirit] who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure. His Will = Doctrinal Orientation (Motivation) + His Work = Spiritual Orientation = Volitional Orientation Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 40

41 Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10 For we are His workmanship (Regeneration), created in Christ Jesus for good works (Fruit of the Spirit + Spiritual Gifts), which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Should walk = Volitional Orientation Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 41

42 15 Let [VO] the peace of Christ [SO - FOTS] rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body [Regen]; and be thankful [ER*]. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you [DO] *ER = Emotional Response, we'll get there later. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 42

43 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world [DO], but let God transform you inwardly [SO] by a complete renovation of your thinking. Then you will be able to know [Appraisal Process] the will of God what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 43

44 Human Nature from Adam Flesh Spiritual Nature from God Spirit SO Valve Mind Volition Valve Heart Brain Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 44

45 The Event Perception of the Event Appraisal The Filters S A M B A K Yes Representation V No Heart Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 45

46 The Event Perception of the Event Appraisal The Filters S A M B A K Yes Representation V No Appraisal Representation Heart Perception of the Event Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 46

47 1 John 1:8 (NKJV) 8 If we say that we have no sin nature, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 47

48 1 John 1:8 (NKJV) 8 If we say that we have no sin nature, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 48

49 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Gal. 5:17 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 49

50 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Gal. 5:17 The Flesh Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 50

51 The Event Perception of the Event Appraisal The Filters SN - S - HS SN - A - HS SN - M - HS SN - B - HS SN - A - HS SN - K - HS The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions. Gal. 5:17 Yes Representation SN V HS No Heart Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 51

52 Sexual Materialism Chemical "Human Nature" "The Flesh" The "Rider and the Elephant" The "Black and White Horses" Power Religious Approbation Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 52

53 The Human Nature Happiness Achievement Motivator's and the Appraisal Process Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 53

54 The Black Horse Self Concept "Human Bad" Immoral Horse "Sins" Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 54

55 Self Concept The White Horse What is the White Horse? Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 55

56 Self Concept The White Horse Is it the Holy Spirit or "Human Good"? Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 56

57 The Black Horse Self Concept The White Horse "Human Bad" Immoral Horse "Human Good" Moral Horse Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 57

58 The Black Horse Self Concept The White Horse "Human Bad" Immoral Horse Sexual Chemical Religious Approbation Power Materialism "Human Good" Moral Horse Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 58

59 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 59

60 The Black Horse Attitude The White Horse "Human Bad" Immoral Horse Sexual Chemical Religious Approbation Power Materialism "Human Good" Moral Horse Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 60

61 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 61

62 The Black Horse Mood The White Horse "Human Bad" Immoral Horse Sexual Chemical Religious Approbation Power Materialism "Human Good" Moral Horse Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 62

63 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 63

64 The Black Horse Beliefs The White Horse "Human Bad" Immoral Horse Sexual Chemical Religious Approbation Power Materialism "Human Good" Moral Horse Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 64

65 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 65

66 The Black Horse Attribution The White Horse "Human Bad" Immoral Horse Sexual Chemical Religious Approbation Power Materialism "Human Good" Moral Horse Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 66

67 Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 67

68 The Black Horse Attribution The White Horse "Human Bad" Immoral Horse Sexual Chemical Religious Approbation Power Materialism "Human Good" Moral Horse Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 68

69 Romans 8:7-8 (NKJV) 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. What would this look like? Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 69

70 Romans 8:7-8 (NKJV) 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 70

71 So, likewise we see this verse: Romans 8:6 (NKJV) 6 For to be carnally [Fleshly] minded is death... Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 71

72 Romans 8:6 (Continued)...but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 72

73 And, likewise we see this verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 73

74 And, this verse: Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 74

75 The Flesh So, if these "good works" are from God, they cannot be from the White Horse of the Human Nature. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 75

76 Ephesians 4:24 (NKJV) 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 76

77 in true righteousness and holiness. Righteousness = The Imparted Righteousness from God - the Reservoir of Righteousness. Holiness = "hagios" - set apart for His use. THIS is true Righteousness and holiness! Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 77

78 Romans 12:2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete renovation of your thinking. Do not conform let God transform you complete renovation of your thinking Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 78

79 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth. For ye died, and your life is hid with Christ-in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall be manifested, then shall ye also with him be manifested in glory (Col. 3:2 4 ASV). Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 79

80 Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV) 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 80

81 And now, little children, abide in him, that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before him at his coming (1 John 2:28) abide in him Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 81

82 The Judgment Seat of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Romans 14:10 But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 82

83 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. 14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 83

84 Which work is which? Which is "wood, hay, stubble" and which is "gold, silver and precious stones." abide in him Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 84

85 Will your sins be the "wood, hay and stubble" that will be judged? Why Not? Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 85

86 2 Peter 3:18 For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit; Acts 10:43 Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins. Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 86

87 So, then, that leaves one category to be judged: Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 87

88 Sexual Materialism Chemical The Flesh Power Religious Approbation Conscience, Morality and the Spiritual Life 88