Theology and human flourishing: the benefits of being "known by God"

This chapter considers the psycho-spiritual benefits of being known by God. Biblical-theological investigation of the notion is supported by attachment theory and a psychological understanding of the self. It concludes that secure attachment to the Transcendent One, being known by God as His child, supplies a strong sense of a valuable and lovable self. Similar to the human parent-child relationship, such attachment can lead to a healthy sense of significance, offer an effective source of comfort in dispiriting circumstances, and give moral direction. Receiving one's identity as a relational gift, rather than solely striving for it as an individual achievement, is an attractive alternative to the identity angst of a postrmodern world where a stable and secure sense of self can be so elusive.