This is the sixth week in a nine-week class entitled “The Killer-Isms: A Christian Look at Lethal Philosophies.” This session looks at individualism, a distinctly American “ism.”
From Pastor Phil:
Individualism – A Working Definition
Individualism is the most “American” of all of the philosophies that we will discuss. It’s the belief in the supremacy, importance, and centrality of the individual. An individualist seeks to be independent, not needing anyone for anything. They resent any attempt to bring them to a place of subordination or unconditional obedience. In a way, individualists sound a lot like stubborn children, who only want to do things their way. While this description would surely frustrate/enrage individualists, it’s a fairly accurate one. Individualism elevates the individual, the self, above all others. It promotes the wants and the ways of the “I” as preeminent and subjugates everything else. Individualists can be leading—even noble—members of the society, but they at the same time, they can be socially isolated, self-focussed, and unyielding in their view of life.