Occasion of the Work & Background
When was the work originally written and who published it?
“ The Divine Design for Human Dignity” is a chapter in Robert H. Schuller’s 1982 book Self-esteem, the New Reformation . This 177 Christian book was initially published by W Pub Group.
What is the context of the work?
The context of the book is based on a Christian person’s day to day walk with Christ and focuses on finding personal self-esteem by feeding the self-esteem of others. The book is made to be applicable to the life of every Christian.
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Why did the author write this work?
The author, Robert Schuller, a pastor meant the book to be an enduring sermon to his congregation around the world. He wrote the book to inform and exhort his congregation about Christian living.
What is the author’s background?
Schuller was born in Alton, Iowa on the 16 th day of September 1926 and rested on the 2 nd day of April 2015 in Artesia, Calif. He was a reputed pastor and a world-renowned TV evangelist through the program Hour of Power. 1
Schuller attained Western Theological Seminary’s Masters of Divinity degree and ministered in several churches before settling down in the iconic Crystal Cathedral from 1980 2 .
Sources & Type of Work
What type of work is it?
The chapter “The Divine Design for Human Dignity” can only be described as a sermon written to a Christian congregation to teach, advice and exhort of good Christian living. The focus of the sermon is service to others as a source of personal self-esteem.
Who does the author credit for intellectual ideas and critical assistance?
The author makes limited reference to scripture in the chapter but mainly basis ideas on personal knowledge and experience both as a minister and as a human being. Reference is also made to secondary stories such as that of Mother Teresa but not credit is given for the same (76).
What parts of Scripture does the author use? What does the author mainly rely on: reason, Scripture, or experience?
Among the portions of scripture quoted is John 12:32 (75) and Philippians 2:13 (74) both of which are analyzed in the context of the sermon being given.
What are the author’s presuppositions?
Identity of God: God created humans with a purpose and He supervises the attainment of that purpose.
Service to God: It is in service to God that human life finds meaning.
Purpose of the Cross: The primary purpose of the cross is to provide humility for humanity as Jesus would have won with or without the cross
Define Key Terms
Define words you don’t know.
Egotism– “the fact of being excessively conceited or absorbed in oneself” 3
Pietistic – “marked by overly sentimental or emotional devotion to religion” 4
Define words important to the author’s argument .
Self-esteem – Feeling good about ones-self, mainly due to a sense of accomplishment.
Success – Attaining or accomplishing a set objective
Humility – being modest or having a diminished opinion of personal importance.
Thesis and Key Points
A person’s self-esteem can best be attained through the kind of service to others that can build their self-esteem. Feeling good about doing good is a good thing and it the true meaning of “Your Kingdom Come”!
What are the key points/arguments of the work?
Humans are called to serve others and meet the emotional needs of others. (71).
Meeting the needs of others does not just build the self-esteem of the person whose needs have been met as it also builds the esteem of the one serving others (72).
Feeling good about being able to do good for others is a good thing for Christians and will not affect humility as the humility problem was solved on the Cross (74)
Reactions
Note questions and critiques of the work.
Schuller writes like the great preacher and speaker that he was world-famous for as the basis his arguments on scripture then build on both as a lesson and as a sermon. By the end of the chapter, any Christian leader is bound to feel encouraged and also informed.
What is your view of the work? Do you agree or disagree, and why?
Personally, I totally agree with the teaching of Schuller as contained in the chapter. He not only exhorts Christians to do good for others, which is a critical biblical theme but also teaches them how to get meaning in life from the good works. It is an all-around positive message.
How well does the author’s view accord with Scripture?
For a sermon, Schuller is a bit light in actual citations of scripture but the entire chapter clearly aligns itself with the biblical world view. I found the scriptural basis for the sermon to be sound.
What are the implications of this work for Christianity, society, for you?
From a personal perspective, this chapter greatly enriches my life more so when I find myself feeling down. I can always encourage myself and lift my spirit by doing good deeds, more so for those who are terrible in need.
1 Patricia Bauer. "Robert Harold Schuller." Encyclopædia Britannica. December 26, 2018. Accessed April 29, 2019. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Robert-H-Schuller.
2 Ibid.
3 http://www.dictionary.com/
4 http://www.dictionary.com/
