What Is Human Flourishing in Christianity?
It’s no secret that human flourishing is important to Christians, especially given the central role of Jesus in Christianity as the giver of life. The New Testament, which contains the story of Jesus’ life and teachings, does not specifically define “human flourishing.” Nevertheless, its accounts of Jesus’ interactions with people can be used as a guide for understanding what Christianity considers human flourishing.
For starters, the gospel of Luke documents how Jesus showed compassion to those in need and advocated for justice for the marginalized. Jesus was especially concerned with the material and spiritual well-being of individuals, which can be seen in his teachings about poverty—from the parable of the Good Samaritan to the Sermon on the Mount. In addition, the gospels stress the importance of generosity, humility, and forgiveness. In short, the New Testament tells Christians that they should strive to imitate Jesus’ character and to uphold his high standards of morality.
In addition to promoting justice and compassion, Jesus exemplified what Christianity calls “salvation,” or redemption from the consequences of sin. For Christians, salvation is a necessary condition for human flourishing, because it is only through salvation that someone can experience freedom from evil and experience true joy. By accepting Jesus as their savior, Christians enter into a new relationship with God and are able to live a life of purpose and fulfillment.
At the same time, the New Testament teaches that human flourishing is a collective effort that involves both individuals and society as a whole. Jesus regularly spoke out against social and economic injustices, urging his followers to show mercy and love to others and to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” He also encouraged his followers to help the poor and disadvantaged, teaching them to be selfless and generous. As such, for Christianity, human flourishing is not just about individuals, but also about the collective good.
Finally, Christian human flourishing is also about having an intimate relationship with God. Christianity teaches that God is all-powerful, perfect, and loving, and that He desires to have a personal relationship with each person. Having a close connection with God is what allows us to experience joy, peace, and love in our lives. This is why prayer, worship, and reading Scripture are so important to Christians — they provide us with a way of connecting with and relying on God during times of struggle, joy, and every day.
How Is Human Flourishing In Christianity Supported?
For Christians, human flourishing is supported in many ways. One of the main ways is through community. Churches and other Christian organizations are committed to the spiritual, emotional, and physical flourishing of their members. Through their weekly services and small groups, congregations provide fellowship and encouragement for their members and set a moral standard for how people should live their lives. This is especially important for those who may not have a strong support system in other areas of their life.
Furthermore, churches often serve as a source of tangible help for those in need. Many congregations offer financial assistance, job resources, and mentoring for their members. Churches also host charitable events and organize volunteers to serve their communities. All of these activities support community members in their individual endeavors, such as finding a job or navigating a crisis.
Another way Christians support human flourishing is through prayer and the study of the Bible. The Bible contains the story of Jesus and his teachings, which serve as a reminder to Christians of how they should be living their lives. Additionally, prayer offers Christians an opportunity to bring their joys and sorrows before God and to receive comfort, strength, and guidance. By relying on God, individuals can navigate difficult times with greater ease and can experience calmness and joy.
Finally, Christian spiritual practices like fasting and almsgiving help individuals focus on the needs of others and serving God’s kingdom. By giving back to our communities and sacrificing something we are personally attached to, we demonstrate our commitment to helping others. Ultimately, these spiritual practices help individuals become more attentive to their own spiritual wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around them.
Why Is Human Flourishing Important In Christianity?
Human flourishing is an important concept in Christianity because it reflects Jesus’ highest ideals for how people should live their lives. In the gospels, Jesus demonstrates a deep love for others and a genuine concern for their wellbeing, even for those whom society has excluded or discarded. For Christians, following Jesus’ example provides individuals with the opportunity to live life as God intended. Human flourishing is a reminder that each person has infinite value and that their life’s purpose should be deeply rooted in Jesus’ teachings.
Furthermore, human flourishing helps to keep the Christian faith vibrant. When individuals are committed to living out Jesus’ ideas of justice and mercy in their own lives, it brings glory to God and advances God’s kingdom. In turn, this helps to sustain Christian communities and to bring even more people into the fold. As a result, human flourishing is not only important as a personal goal, but also as a means of spreading the gospel and helping to make the world a better place.
Additionally, human flourishing is a reminder that God loves each individual unconditionally. Through Jesus, He demonstrated a radical love, offering grace and mercy to everyone, regardless of their social or economic status. Christians strive to replicate this type of unconditional love in their thoughts, words, and deeds as a way to continue and embody Jesus’ legacy. By doing so, Christians are fulfilling God’s plan for bringing love and joy into the world.
What Steps Can We Take To Foster Human Flourishing?
If we want to foster human flourishing according to Christian ideals, there are some useful steps we can take. The first is to strengthen our relationship with God. This is paramount because without a strong connection to God, we will not be able to fully live out the Christian life. Reading Scripture, praying regularly, and attending church services are all ways to be reminded of God’s presence in our lives and to deepen our understanding of God.
Additionally, we can strive to emulate Jesus’ character in our own lives. This means being passionate about justice, being mindful of our actions, and working to protect and love those who have been marginalized or oppressed. This also means fighting against racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination, while standing up for what is right and good. Finally, it means finding ways to serve our communities, by volunteering, donating to causes, and engaging in social action.
Moreover, we must stay committed to our personal wellbeing. This can involve setting personal goals, finding ways to express our creativity, being honest with ourselves, and taking care of our physical and mental health. It’s also important to stay connected to our faith community to receive support, encouragment, and accountability. All of these steps can help Christians stay focused on their personal growth and development, as well as on their spiritual journey.
What Does Human Flourishing Look Like In Practice?
For Christians, human flourishing looks like striving for a life of justice, mercy, and love. It looks like being grounded in faith, living a compassionate life, and cherishing one’s relationships with God and others. Furthermore, it looks like fighting against systemic injustices and oppression, while fostering understanding and unity. Finally, it looks like pursuing holistic wellbeing—which involves taking care of the body, mind, and spirit.
For individuals, human flourishing might involve pursuing a particular vocation, taking time to nurture relationships, or discovering a creative outlet. It could also involve learning new skills, such as cooking, gardening, or another hobby. Human flourishing also includes contributing to society through volunteering, donating resources, and advocating for the rights of others. Ultimately, in practice, human flourishing looks different for each person, but it is always rooted in the teachings of Jesus.
How Can Human Flourishing Impact Our World?
If practiced faithfully, human flourishing can have a positive impact on the world in a variety of ways. For starters, it can bring more justice and love into our society, helping to alleviate many of the problems facing our communities. Additionally, it can create more opportunities for people to have meaningful and fulfilling lives. Furthermore, human flourishing can lead to a greater respect and appreciation for everyone, no matter their differences or social status.
Finally, when individuals practice flourishing, it helps to remind us all that we are part of something bigger than ourselves—God’s kingdom. We are all united by this common bond, and by living out our purpose and doing what is right, we are helping to bring more light and hope into the world. This is how Christians, by striving for human flourishing, can be a source of positive change in the world.
