A Christian Theory Based On Maslow
A Christian Theory of the Order of Mankind’s Spiritual Needs
“Image of God”. A theological term applied uniquely to humans, which denotes the symbolic relationship between God and humanity. The term has its roots in Genesis 1:27, NIV. “Where in God created man in his own image…”. This scriptural passage does not mean that God is in human form, but rather that humans are in the image of God in their moral, spiritual, and intellectual nature. Based on these truths I have patterned my theory after Maslow’s Theory of Self-Actualization. My theory is entitled A Christian Theory of the Order of Mankind’s Spiritual Needs, which I have outlined in steps below.
1. Physiological Needs - Matthew 19:14, NIV. “Jesus said, Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Bible believing parents teach and reinforce from birth this truth that God exists. He is real. He loves you. God will fulfill the spiritual need that exists in all people. God is in control and will always be with us.
2. Safety Needs – According to Psalm 121 NIV, the idea that God is watching over us is repeated five times in eight short versus, “The Lord watches you… He will watch over your life. The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more”. This lets us know that that the ultimate controller of security is God. He knows where we are and the conditions that surround us at all times.
3. Love and Belonging – Matthew 10: 29-31, NIV. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your father. And even the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” This lets us know that if God cares so much about our individual hairs, then he must care about the things that are more important than hair. We should never think that our problems are too trivial or that we are too...
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