EXISTENTIAL SELF DIAGNOSIS
“The ability to imagine taking your eyes out of your head and looking at yourself with clear vision.” – Fred Crowell
Psalms 8 and 139 inspire me! They move me to think back to my days working on a BS & MS Ed. Degree at the University of Idaho.
With respect for the excellent education I received, philosophy and psychology did not interest me. Either because I did not take them seriously, or the professors I experienced were lacking in teaching effectiveness.
Thomas Dewey’s book “Quest for Knowledge” was nearly impossible for me to understand; Rousseau’s theory of mankind seemed nonsensical to me. My course in the theory of educational thought covered 53 books in one semester. 29 out of 40 students failed to finish the class! It made me long to be on the basketball court.
I was intrigued with psychology. Unfortunately, each class I took was beyond boring. One prof actually read the assigned text for the entire hour with few comments.
It was not until I opened, studied, and began to understand the greatest philosophy and psychological book ever written, did I come to cherish these two intellectual disciplines.
I am not speaking of great writers like Tournier or Frankel. Not the amazing minds of Lewis, Augustine and Ignatius. No, I am speaking of authors like David, Daniel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, and Peter.
When I discovered that the Bible was more than a book; it is God’s word, I realized “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
Often people say, “I need to find out who I am.” To find oneself, Dr. Maxwell Maltz, a plastic surgeon claimed it is necessary to look to the Scriptures.
I agree with Maltz. The most accurate portrayal of Fred Crowell is revealed in the Bible. If you wish to discover who you are, take a deep dive into the best philosophy and psychology book on the planet. Start with Psalm 103 before diving into Psalms 8 and 139.
