Ever heard of ‘Sheilaism’? No, neither had I until I read chapter 7 of Telling a Better Story by Josh Chatrow. It’s how a young nurse called Sheila describes her religion. “It’s Sheilaism. Just my own little voice.”  

In defining what she calls “my own Sheilaism,” she said: “It’s just try to love yourself and be gentle with yourself. You know, I guess, take care of each other. I think [God] would want us to take care of each other.”

Like many today, Sheila has answered the question “Where do I find truth?” by turning inwards rather than upwards, inside rather than outside. Let’s get inside her story and see if we can lead her to a better story.

INSIDE THE SECULAR STORY

• My ultimate guide is my feelings and everyone (God too), must submit to that.

• Any external authority is dangerous, oppressive, and takes away my personhood.

• Being true to myself, being unique and authentic, is the highest good.

Questions to ask this story:

• Does this story provide one of the most basic human needs of a stable identity?

• Can anyone be truly independent? Are we not all shaped by external norms?

• What happens when two people’s feelings/truths collide?

OUTSIDE TO THE CHRISTIAN STORY

The Christian story is so much more satisfying and successful:

• Truth is external, divine, objective, universal, and unchanging.

• Submitting to God and his truth is the safest and best way to individual and community flourishing in every area of life (including our feelings).

• God gives us value, significance, identity, validation, and worth in Jesus Christ that no one and nothing can add to or take away.

Where do I find truth? Find truth in God for a safe and secure guide, identity, meaning, and worth.