Journal: Interdisciplinary Journal on Biblical Authority
Volume: IJOBA 02:4 (Fall 2021)
Article: The Reexamination Of Human Personality Assessments From A Biblical Perspective
Author: Luther Ray Smith, Jr.

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The Reexamination Of Human Personality Assessments From A Biblical Perspective1

Luther Ray Smith, Jr,

Dean of the College
Department Chair of Biblical Counseling
Associate Professor of Biblical Counseling
Calvary University

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Abstract

This article explores the nature and substance of human personality from a Biblical outlook. The article assesses some of the descriptions of human personality and how there is not a consensus as to what constitutes personality. Personality is examined in the book of Genesis and reveals that personality does not make humanity distinct from one another but distinct from other forms of creation (vegetation, animals, etc.). In addition, even though the substance of humanity is uniform in personality, the word of God gives humankind diversity concerning personal choices. Finally, the article investigates the history of personality assessments and the challenges concerning personality assessments when compared to a Biblical worldview.

Introduction

One of the most fascinating and significant studies within the discipline of psychology is the area of personality. This subject has given rise to many

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books, conferences, and assessments measuring and evaluating the personality of the human being. Theorists and researchers who promote the topic of human personality and conduct personality tests claim this subject assists a person in their self-exploration, develops a better sense of self, and as a result, enables them to become more self-aware of their interest and who they are as a person. However, considering human personality found in the study of psychology, three specific questions ought to be asked: (1) What is the personality of a human being? (2) Does the Biblical philosophy concerning the nature of humankind address human personality? (3) How ought those who hold to a biblical perspective observe personality assessments?

Definitions And Explanations Regarding Personality

The English word personality was used in the 14th century and found its origins in the Late Latin word personalis. This Latin word is also associated with the French word personality and is described as the character that is a distinctive attribute of a being that is conscious of oneself. In short, according to this explanation, the personality is the quality that is unique to a being that is self-aware. However, those who have sought to study this feature of humankind have not reached a consensus as to what makes up the personality and how the personality develops. The American Psychological Association expl...