When I began reading Carl Trueman’s The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self, I was immediately struck by the depth and clarity with which he traces the philosophical, cultural, and historical developments that have shaped our modern understanding of identity. It’s a book that demands engagement not just as an academic exercise, but as a call to reflect on the very nature of personhood in light of the gospel.

As someone who has walked the road of profound personal transformation—from encountering Christ in a jail cell two decades ago to now serving as a church planter, outreach pastor, and doctoral student—I found Trueman’s analysis both deeply challenging and richly affirming. His exploration of how the self has become the defining framework for understanding reality intersects with the pastoral and missional questions I wrestle with daily. How do we speak gospel truth in a world where subjective experience is elevated above all else? How do we engage a culture where identity is seen as something constructed, rather than received?

The Modern Self and My Journey of Identity

Trueman’s work opens with a critical question: How did we arrive at a point where statements like “I am a woman trapped in a man’s body” are not only conceivable but broadly accepted as coherent expressions of identity? As I read, I couldn’t help but reflect on my own journey. When I encountered Christ in 2003, I was someone who had built my identity on a foundation of brokenness, rebellion, and self-destruction. My sense of self was shaped by my choices and circumstances, with no thought of a higher purpose or identity beyond what I could create for myself.

But in that moment of salvation, everything changed. For the first time, I realized that my identity wasn’t something I could construct—it was something given, rooted in being created and redeemed by God. Trueman’s exploration of the cultural shift from a theologically grounded understanding of identity to the expressive individualism that dominates today resonated deeply. It reminded me that the gospel doesn’t just offer forgiveness; it offers a new framework for understanding who we are and why we exist.

Expressive Individualism and the Church

One of Trueman’s key arguments is that expressive individualism—the idea that identity is found in the inward search for personal authenticity—has become the dominant narrative of our time. This philosophy, rooted in thinkers like Rousseau, Nietzsche, and Freud, has infiltrated every aspect of culture, from politics to education to religion. As I read, I found myself nodding in agreement while simultaneously feeling the weight of this reality in the context of ministry.

Serving as a missional leader, I’ve seen firsthand how this cultural shift impacts the church. Many of the people I minister to, both within and outside the church, are deeply shaped by the belief that the highest good is to “be true to yourself.” This mindset often creates tension when confronted with the gospel’s call to die to self and find life in Christ. Trueman’s work challenged me to think more critically about how I address these cultural assumptions in my preaching, teaching, and outreach.

For example, I recently had a conversation with a young adult struggling with their sense of purpose and identity. They expressed frustration at the church’s “rules” and “restrictions,” longing instead to define their own path. In that moment, I realized how deeply embedded expressive individualism had become, not as a conscious philosophy but as an assumed framework for life. Trueman’s analysis reminded me that addressing this requires more than arguments—it requires a demonstration of the joy and freedom found in living as a child of God.

Engaging the Cultural Imagination

Another aspect of Trueman’s book that stood out to me was his emphasis on the power of cultural imagination. He argues that the sexual revolution, far from being a sudden break with tradition, is the result of centuries of philosophical and cultural shifts that have reshaped how we think about the body, relationships, and morality. This insight is crucial for anyone seeking to engage the culture with the gospel.

As a doctoral student, I’ve often reflected on how the church can reclaim the cultural imagination for Christ. Trueman’s work challenges us to go beyond critique and embody a counter-narrative that captures the beauty and coherence of biblical truth. In my own ministry, I’ve seen this play out in small but powerful ways—through acts of radical hospitality, intentional discipleship, and a commitment to living out the gospel in community.

One practical application has been in the realm of family ministry. In a culture that often sees marriage and parenthood as barriers to personal fulfillment, the church has an opportunity to present a compelling vision of family as a reflection of God’s covenantal love. Trueman’s insights have encouraged me to think more intentionally about how we cast this vision in ways that resonate with a culture shaped by expressive individualism.

Hope in the Midst of Cultural Shifts

While The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self is, in many ways, a sobering analysis of the cultural forces at work in our time, it’s not without hope. Trueman reminds us that the church has faced similar challenges throughout history and that the gospel remains the ultimate answer to the human longing for identity, meaning, and purpose.

As I reflect on my own journey—from being radically saved in a jail cell to serving as an ordained minister—I’m reminded that cultural shifts, no matter how pervasive, cannot thwart the power of the gospel. Trueman’s work has given me a deeper understanding of the cultural context in which I minister and a renewed passion for proclaiming the truth that our identity is found not in ourselves, but in Christ.

Conclusion: Living and Ministering as a Witness

Carl Trueman’s The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self is more than a book—it’s a lens through which to view the cultural moment we find ourselves in. For me, it has been both a theological challenge and a pastoral resource, helping me think more critically and compassionately about how to engage a world that is searching for identity in all the wrong places.

As I continue in ministry, I’m reminded that the gospel offers what the modern self cannot: a firm foundation, an eternal purpose, and an identity that cannot be shaken. In a culture of expressive individualism, the church has the privilege and responsibility of living as a witness to the joy and freedom found in being fully known and fully loved by God.

What about you? How do you navigate the challenges of identity and culture in your context? I’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections.