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Ego

nPeace

Veteran Member
The word ego is defined as,,, a person's sense of self-esteem or self-importance.

The Bible does not use the word ego, but it uses words which are similar in nature to ego.
One reference says...
PRIDE
Inordinate self-esteem; an unreasonable feeling of superiority as to one’s talents, beauty, wealth, rank, and so forth; disdainful behavior or treatment; insolence or arrogance of demeanor; haughty bearing. Pride can, more rarely, have the good connotation of a sense of delight or elation arising from some act or possession. Some synonyms of pride are egotism, arrogance, haughtiness.
The Hebrew verb ga·ʼahʹ literally means “grow tall; get high” and is the root of a number of Hebrew words conveying the idea of pride. These related forms are rendered “haughtiness,” “self-exaltation,” and, in both good and bad senses, “eminence,” and “superiority.” - Job 8:11; Ezekiel 47:5; Isaiah 9:9; Proverbs 8:13; Psalms 68:34; Amos 8:7.
The Greek word kau·khaʹo·mai, meaning “boast, take pride, exult,” likewise is used in both a good and a bad sense, the usage being determined by the context. - 1 Corinthians 1:29; Romans 2:17; 5:2.

Everyone has ego or pride, and it can be at a reasonable level, which isn't bad, or it can rise above that, and even reach extremes.
It's a hard question... I think... but is there a link / connection between ego / pride and anger, and how can one tell the difference between prideful, or egotistical anger, and righteous or justified anger?
 

joe1776

Well-Known Member
IMO, the unconscious need to feel superior to other people drives most, if not all, human failings. It results in arrogant behavior and causes wars.

Our tribe is superior to theirs!
Our religion is superior to theirs!
Our race is super to theirs!
Our nation is superior to theirs!
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
IMO, the unconscious need to feel superior to other people drives most, if not all, human failings. It results in arrogant behavior and causes wars.

Our tribe is superior to theirs!
Our religion is superior to theirs!
Our race is super to theirs!
Our nation is superior to theirs!
Our God is superior to theirs!
Our way of life is superior to theirs!

These are things one would feel proud about.
This is a reasonable level of pride - things to feel proud of. Do you disagree... Do you think it exceeds that level of pride that is good?
 

shunyadragon

shunyadragon
Premium Member
Our God is superior to theirs!
Our way of life is superior to theirs!

These are things one would feel proud about.
This is a reasonable level of pride - things to feel proud of. Do you disagree... Do you think it exceeds that level of pride that is good?

Far exceeds what is even reasonably good.
 

joe1776

Well-Known Member
Our God is superior to theirs!
Our way of life is superior to theirs!

These are things one would feel proud about.
This is a reasonable level of pride - things to feel proud of. Do you disagree... Do you think it exceeds that level of pride that is good?
IMO, there is no level of pride that is justified. There's nothing wrong with thinking that others are mistaken if they don't follow your religion, but if you feel that you are superior to them in human worth because you're right and they're wrong, your pride has led you astray.

Similarly, if you feel that your way of life is superior. How is it superior? Feeling morally superior to others is a very common symptom of arrogance.
 

MatthewA

Active Member
The Websters New Word Dictionary c 1984

ego : (e'go; chiefly Brig., ego) n. pl. egos

1. The self: the individual as aware of himself

2. egotism; conceit

3 Philos. the self, variously conceived as a spiritual substance on which experience is superimposed, the series of acts and mental states introspectively recognized etc.

4.Psychoanalysis that part of the psyche ( Strong's Greek: 5590. ψυχή (psuché) -- breath, the soul) which experiences thought processes rationally, and governs action: it mediates between the impulses of the id, the demands of the environment, and the standards of the superego.

Hope these definitions help understand the word ego a bit better.
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
It's a hard question... I think... but is there a link / connection between ego / pride and anger,
Can be

how can one tell the difference between prideful, or egotistical anger, and righteous or justified anger?
My Master came in my dream and told me "stay outside". So not allowing me to enter His Ashram

I reasoned "that was a dream, can't be real" and went "inside the Ashram"

I got a nice front row (20.000 visitors), lucky me I though... alas, then my Master came and kicked me out of the Ashram, yelling and screaming at me

I tried 3 times, He kicked me out 3 times

Then I told Him mentally "I fast (no water nor food) until you allow me back in". And I said mentally to Him "you are right, I should have respected you and listened to what you told me in the dream".

He tested me quite a bit, but finally I heard an ethereal sweet voice saying "okay 'stvdv' now you can come in again"

Again front line, same place. My Master came to me, I feared getting kicked out again, but this time He was all smiles. Nightmare was over. I learned the lesson

My Master pretended to be angry to teach me respect, even when He tells me in a dream, that's righteous (pretended) anger

My initial reaction was ego, not righteous action.

Now I clearly know the difference, a life lesson I will never forget, most intense 48 hours in my life I think
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
IMO, there is no level of pride that is justified. There's nothing wrong with thinking that others are mistaken if they don't follow your religion, but if you feel that you are superior to them in human worth because you're right and they're wrong, your pride has led you astray.

Similarly, if you feel that your way of life is superior. How is it superior? Feeling morally superior to others is a very common symptom of arrogance.
So you disagree with both the dictionary's definition and the one in the OP.
Could you define pride for me please. amd can you give me a reference.
 

Salty Booger

Royal Crown Cola (RC)
I would define one's ego as self perception or personal story. It does not necessarily need be a reflection of arrogance or pride.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
The Websters New Word Dictionary c 1984

ego : (e'go; chiefly Brig., ego) n. pl. egos

1. The self: the individual as aware of himself

2. egotism; conceit

3 Philos. the self, variously conceived as a spiritual substance on which experience is superimposed, the series of acts and mental states introspectively recognized etc.

4.Psychoanalysis that part of the psyche ( Strong's Greek: 5590. ψυχή (psuché) -- breath, the soul) which experiences thought processes rationally, and governs action: it mediates between the impulses of the id, the demands of the environment, and the standards of the superego.

Hope these definitions help understand the word ego a bit better.
I thought I understood it.
Do you disagree with the OP?
Do you think that it is wrong to have a feeling of self worth.

I think the dictionary explains it well enough..
ego.jpg

Do you see a difference? Can you please explain in specifics.
 

MatthewA

Active Member
Hello Npeace:

When it comes to what you are explaining which is basically in speaking about the ego is that every person has basically a soul. Every person - soul - has choices and actions to do, that can be from learning, or whatever in life there is possibly to do. (At least this is my understanding) From the Psychological part of the nature of ego.

So agree there.

Everyone has ego or pride, and it can be at a reasonable level, which isn't bad, or it can rise above that, and even reach extremes.
It's a hard question... I think... but is there a link / connection between ego / pride and anger, and how can one tell the difference between prideful, or egotistical anger, and righteous or justified anger?

All people have a souls - thus mind/will/emotion. Thought/response/reaction. ~ That all applies to the ego/soul it seems.

I thought I understood it.
Do you disagree with the OP?
Do you think that it is wrong to have a feeling of self worth.

I think the dictionary explains it well enough..
View attachment 50469
Do you see a difference? Can you please explain in specifics.

I just like using this old college edition dictionary : Google is fast and useful, but do enjoy learning from the handy dandy Websters New World Dictionary sometimes cause (looking up definitions online gets old to me personally). :) Thank you for your kindness.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
Can be


My Master came in my dream and told me "stay outside". So not allowing me to enter His Ashram

I reasoned "that was a dream, can't be real" and went "inside the Ashram"

I got a nice front row (20.000 visitors), lucky me I though... alas, then my Master came and kicked me out of the Ashram, yelling and screaming at me

I tried 3 times, He kicked me out 3 times

Then I told Him mentally "I fast (no water nor food) until you allow me back in". And I said mentally to Him "you are right, I should have respected you and listened to what you told me in the dream".

He tested me quite a bit, but finally I heard an ethereal sweet voice saying "okay 'stvdv' now you can come in again"

Again front line, same place. My Master came to me, I feared getting kicked out again, but this time He was all smiles. Nightmare was over. I learned the lesson

My Master pretended to be angry to teach me respect, even when He tells me in a dream, that's righteous (pretended) anger

My initial reaction was ego, not righteous action.

Now I clearly know the difference, a life lesson I will never forget, most intense 48 hours in my life I think
So you though all anger was prideful. Good lesson. ;)
 

joe1776

Well-Known Member
So you disagree with both the dictionary's definition and the one in the OP.
Could you define pride for me please. amd can you give me a reference.
I don't disagree with the dictionary definitions. The same word can have different meanings which are determined by context. I'm using the word as you used it in the context of your OP.

I'm giving you my opinions on the topic, which I thought was what you wanted. If I'm wrong about that, just forget I posted.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
Hello Npeace:

When it comes to what you are explaining which is basically in speaking about the ego is that every person has basically a soul. Every person - soul - has choices and actions to do, that can be from learning, or whatever in life there is possibly to do. (At least this is my understanding) From the Psychological part of the nature of ego.

So agree there.

Everyone has ego or pride, and it can be at a reasonable level, which isn't bad, or it can rise above that, and even reach extremes.
It's a hard question... I think... but is there a link / connection between ego / pride and anger, and how can one tell the difference between prideful, or egotistical anger, and righteous or justified anger?

All people have a souls - thus mind/will/emotion. Thought/response/reaction. ~ That all applies to the ego/soul it seems.
Okay. Cool.
So any thoughts on the question? Can ego exceed the proper level, and is there a link between that, and prideful anger, or unjustified anger?
What do you think?
 

MatthewA

Active Member
Good question:

Desire to answer from the bible of what the soul inside of the body is capable of.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious:
sexual immorality,
impurity and
debauchery;
20 idolatry and
witchcraft;
hatred,
discord,
jealousy,
fits of rage,
selfish ambition,
dissensions,
factions
21 and envy;
drunkenness,
orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Paul says a : Warning to the Galatians ~ That all of these things will harden their hearts ` and they will not inherit the kingdom of God because of unbelief if the sins of the flesh harden their heart, and they stop living by the spirit) ~ No one in this life is perfect, and it also a reason why person needs Jesus Christ to help overcome by the spirit in the believer.)​

These would be the only thoughts on the subject of when it comes to human beings and their ego/soul - Mind/Will/Emotion ~ It seems our natural abilities are set forth in front us here in these scriptures found in Galatians 5.

(To the General Audience) Now to someone who may disagree that is okay. Maybe am I wrong about what the human nature is capable of when it comes to using the bible, because maybe all of this a lie and is not true.

All must decide for your self, of what you believe when it comes to these matters or not.

Thank you for the question! Npeace, and take care.
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
I don't disagree with the dictionary definitions. The same word can have different meanings which are determined by context. I'm using the word as you used it in the context of your OP.

I'm giving you my opinions on the topic, which I thought was what you wanted. If I'm wrong about that, just forget I posted.
If you are using it as I did in the OP, that is good, but you would need to explain to me how feeling proud of one's God, and way of life being superior to another, amounts to arrogance.
In other words, don't just tell me it is. Explain to me how it is.
Otherwise one might think you are just being arrogant and proud in your beliefs... or opinion. ;) Understand? :)
 

nPeace

Veteran Member
Good question:

Desire to answer from the bible of what the soul inside of the body is capable of.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious:
sexual immorality,
impurity and
debauchery;
20 idolatry and
witchcraft;
hatred,
discord,
jealousy,
fits of rage,
selfish ambition,
dissensions,
factions
21 and envy;
drunkenness,
orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
(Paul says a : Warning to the Galatians ~ That all of these things will harden their hearts ` and they will not inherit the kingdom of God because of unbelief if the sins of the flesh harden their heart, and they stop living by the spirit) ~ No one in this life is perfect, and it also a reason why person needs Jesus Christ to help overcome by the spirit in the believer.)​

These would be the only thoughts on the subject of when it comes to human beings and their ego/soul - Mind/Will/Emotion ~ It seems our natural abilities are set forth in front us here in these scriptures found in Galatians 5.

(To the General Audience) Now to someone who may disagree that is okay. Maybe am I wrong about what the human nature is capable of when it comes to using the bible, because maybe all of this a lie and is not true.

All must decide for your self, of what you believe when it comes to these matters or not.

Thank you for the question! Npeace, and take care.
Very good. I did not think about that scripture.
That nailed it, actually.
So it's sort of like what apostle Paul said then.
(Galatians 5:17) . . .For the flesh is against the spirit in its desire, and the spirit against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, . . .
(Romans 8:13) . . .for if you live according to the flesh, you are sure to die; but if you put the practices of the body to death by the spirit, you will live.

In other words, when we are led by the spirit, we do not feed the ego, that it becomes a monster.
Nice use of scripture.
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