A person as becoming over time: contrasting the theological view of a person as imago Dei with the narrative therapy notion of telos

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores one point of connection between the disciplines of theology and counselling: how a person becomes over time. Two concepts are explored: the theological anthropology of a person growing into becoming in imago Dei, and narrative therapy’s notion of a person becoming over time in the light of their life purpose or telos. While both concepts see a person as potentially changing over time, differences appear between the God – and love-directed vision of imago Dei, and a person’s self-chosen telos within narrative therapy. I explore each concept within its field, and examine it through the eyes of the other discipline. Looking at imago Dei through the eyes of therapy, I show how therapy can bring an acknowledgement of the jagged process of growing towards love. I then show how theology can critique an individualistic understanding of telos. While narrative therapy pioneer Michael White saw personhood as being socially shaped, the notion of telos in narrative therapy has been depicted as more of an individual project. A theological critique widens telos to envision a person as being embedded within more hopeful, communitarian stories. I find that both concepts mine rich seams of hope for personal change.