The recognition of individuality, of the differences between particular people, and of their special gifts, needs and character. In a negative sense, the term can mean placing the needs of individuals above those of the church as a whole, which is contrary to the biblical emphasis on all believers sharing in the common ministry of the body of Christ.
Individualism stresses the differences between people
Recognising people's special gifts
1 Corinthians 12:4–6 See also Romans 12:6–8; 1 Corinthians 12:8–11, 1 Corinthians 12:28–30; Ephesians 4:11; Hebrews 2:4; 1 Peter 4:10
There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people.
Recognising people's abilities and opportunities
Matthew 25:14–15 See also Luke 19:12–13; 1 Corinthians 4:7
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent — each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey.
Individualism and the church
Recognising the parts people play in the church, the body of Christ
1 Corinthians 12:12 See also Romans 12:4–5; 1 Corinthians 12:14, 1 Corinthians 12:17–20, 1 Corinthians 12:27
The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.
Individualism must not emphasise the individual at the expense of the church as a whole
1 Corinthians 12:21–26 See also Romans 12:3, Romans 12:10, Romans 12:16; Philippians 2:3
The eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Nor can the head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts we consider less honorable, we treat with greater honor. And our unpresentable parts are treated with special modesty, whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God has composed the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its members should have mutual concern for one another. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
Contrary to self-seeking individualism, believers should share in the common ministry of the body of Christ
Acts 2:42 See also Acts 2:44, Acts 4:34–35; 2 Corinthians 8:13–14, 2 Corinthians 9:13; Hebrews 13:16
They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.