Quote:
Satisfied people are less likely to be analytical and detail-oriented.
I would think that articles selected for publication in "Psychology Today" are selected more on the basis for their ability to garner readers interest than advancing the understanding of human behavior.
The equation of happiness with satisfaction may be an indication of the limited scope of the article in addition to the conclusion that "ignorance is bliss".
As a Christian I am suspect of any attempt to explain human behavior that intentionally ignores the concept of sin. In fact many psychological theories of human behavior start with the assumption that people are basically good.
From a Christian perspective sin is the elevation of self above all else. From a psychological perspective is "healthy" to elevate of self. Solomon wrote a book that is a depressing assessment of the human condition called Ecclesiastes. Here we have an example of someone with a lot of wisdom, but whose personal sin kept him distant from God. As a result, he saw the evil in the world as it is, but was unable to mitigate this perspective with the knowledge or assurance that the evil in the world will be dealt with in justice and love.
I worked on a Crisis Hotline for a number of years. I tried to summarize what I learned to help people with problems in life. I tried to do this without mentioning Christianity because so many people find even the mention of Christianity bothersome. What I found was that I could write about how to solve problems, but I was unable to write about how someone moved past the realm of boredom that separates happiness from suffering without mentioning Christianity.
The key to the problem was that the pursuit of self and selfish desires usually leads to problems. Even Buddhists see this. When someone works their way out of life's difficulties into the realm of boredom, they often engage in activities that bring them back into the suffering associated with problems. To break through boredom to happiness requires a transition from a self oriented life to an other oriented life.
Other orientation can occur without Christianity as in the natural world the phenomena of parenthood provides an environment where self orientation has to at least be temporarily set aside.
Since so many churches present Christianity as a set of rules to follow, it is no wonder that people often see Christianity as more of a hindrance to happiness than an aid. However, real Christianity is transformative and a new life in Christ is the means whereby other orientation can more fully be achieved.
This other orientation can be seen in the difference between how the world defines love (self and feeling oriented) and how the Bible defines love.
Webster
love
noun
1. a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
2. a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.
3. sexual passion or desire.
4. a person toward whom love is felt; beloved person; sweetheart.
5. (used in direct address as a term of endearment, affection, or the like): Would you like to see a movie, love?
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
While people can achieve satisfaction, contentment, pleasure, and fulfillment, I think that full happiness will always remain out of reach until the consuming desires of self can be transformed into a sincere desire for the welfare of others. I do not see this as something that can be learned or even mastered through strict discipline. It is something that can only be grown through divine intervention in a human heart.
26 Apr 2014, 5:07 am
