I've grown used to the incredulous stares I receive when confessing that I'm an introvert. "But you don't seem shy at all!" I didn't say I was shy. I said I was an introvert. Stay with me. ![]() To be fair, when I speak of introversion I'm referring to its use in psychology. In everyday vernacular, it often describes shyness and reclusiveness. Just so we're on the same page, when I say I'm an introvert, here's what I mean-- Introversion:Extraversion and Introversion as terms used by C. G. Jung explain different attitudes people use to direct their energy. Where do you put your attention and get your energy? Do you like to spend time in the outer world of people and things (Extraversion), or in your inner world of ideas and images (Introversion)? Contrast this definition with my experience in evangelicalism. As Adam McHugh states "The evangelical culture ties together faithfulness with extroversion. " This has definitely been my experience. The impulse I sometimes feel to retreat or be alone or spend time with just one or two people is often met with suspicion, even judgement.
Good Christians are constantly around people. Larger and larger community. More and bigger activity. Talking, engaging, initiating. Exhausting. But if evangelicalism is correct, any person I don't talk to or conversation I don't engage or party I don't attend may condemn someone to Hell because I didn't share the gospel. That's a lot of guilt for someone who is concerned with how they're viewed by other people and by God. But is that correct? Are godliness and sociability inseparable? Is extroversion really preferable? Is introversion less valuable in the kingdom of God? What do you think? Any introverts want to share their experiences? Seems a good place to stop for today. More later. Stay tuned.
5 Comments
Nicole Guelich
3/7/2013 01:48:09 pm
LOVE this! As an introvert, I have been judged and misunderstood by people close to me. This is one of the reasons why I feel like I don't "fit" into church groups. I'm going to think on this some more.
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Ellen Underwood
3/7/2013 10:38:51 pm
As a little girl my father used to tell me that being "shy" was a selfish way to look at the world because your thoughts were focused on yourself. He wouldn't let me be an introvert, I had to be part of the group. I'm sure this topic is much more complicated and the is not a comment about the aggregate, but I do know that what my father did when I was little played a big part in who I am today. I am thankful he demanded that I think of others. It's a deep subject! We are all different parts of the body of Christ so I guess we just need to focus on being obedient to His voice when He calls us out to do something.
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Kelli Gotthardt
3/8/2013 03:43:18 am
Nicole, it's so true! I look forward to unpacking this further. Keep me posted on why you're thinking.
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Kelli Gotthardt
3/8/2013 03:51:33 am
Ellen, this is such good stuff! Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts. I'll be spending more time on this idea of selfishness and whether there is room in the kingdom for a focus on inner things. I've probably got more questions than answers (although I've got lots of opinions :)) so keep the dialogue coming.
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Karen L. Timmer Black
3/18/2013 10:23:44 am
Thank-you for your blog Kelli. Loved it! As an introvert myself, I have been judged and assumed something was wrong with me, because I choose to me more to myself or with smaller groups of people. I'm able to move about as an extravert, but it's not truly my comfort zone. I'm anxious to read Part 2...hopefully soon.
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About Kelli
Kelli is a writer, speaker and consultant equipping leaders for a deepening intimacy with Christ, greater impact in ministry and more effective intentionality in all of life. SpeakingBook Kelli for your next event or retreat.
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