Season: 22 Episode: 321
What happens when a culture teaches us to look inward for our identity, rely on our feelings, pursue experiences, and avoid anything that requires deep thought?
J.P. Moreland describes this as the “empty self”—a way of thinking and living that has become increasingly common in our culture. In this episode, we take a closer look at the traits of the empty self and consider how they can influence the way we think, make decisions, understand truth, and even live out our Christian faith.
One of the traits Moreland identifies is that the empty self is sensate. In other words, we have become increasingly shaped by images, entertainment, experiences, and emotions rather than careful reflection and abstract reasoning. Instead of asking, “Is this true?” we can easily begin asking, “How does this make me feel?” or “What experience can I have?”
And this matters for Christians.
If we aren’t developing our ability to think deeply and evaluate ideas carefully, we can become more vulnerable to whatever messages, influencers, experiences, and emotions happen to be placed in front of us. A mature Christian faith isn’t built merely on what we feel. It is grounded in what is true—and our emotions should follow truth rather than determine it.
In this episode, we’ll explore the “empty self” and consider how we can cultivate a Christian mind that is grounded in truth, Scripture, wisdom, and thoughtful reflection.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What J.P. Moreland means by the “empty self”
- The characteristics of the empty self
- Why our culture increasingly emphasizes feelings and experiences
- What it means for the empty self to be sensate
- How images and entertainment can shape the way we think
- Why Christians need to develop the ability to think deeply
- The difference between being guided by truth and being guided by feelings
- Why emotional experiences alone cannot be the foundation of mature faith
- How developing a Christian mind can help us become more discerning
Scripture to Consider
Romans 12:2
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.”
Matthew 22:37
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.”
Our culture is constantly discipling us. The question is: What is discipling you?
Resources With Shanda
Want to learn how to study the Bible with confidence?
Join the waitlist for my upcoming How to Interpret Your Bible class at shandafulbright.com/bibleclass. We’ll learn practical principles for studying Scripture so you can become biblically literate and disciple others faithfully.
Connect with Shanda
For speaking events, Bible study workshops, and additional resources, visit shandafulbright.com.
If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps more women learn to think biblically and live faithfully in today’s culture.
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