Ultimate Concern

Definition

Ultimate concern refers to the deepest and most fundamental issues or questions that individuals seek to resolve, often related to meaning, purpose, and existential beliefs. This concept suggests that people are driven by a profound need to understand their place in the universe and make sense of their experiences, especially in relation to spirituality and religion. It plays a crucial role in shaping individual identities, guiding personal choices, and influencing the psychological well-being of individuals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term was popularized by theologian Paul Tillich, who described ultimate concern as the 'concern of concerns' that defines a person's life and values.
2. Ultimate concerns can manifest in various ways, such as religious beliefs, moral convictions, or existential queries about life and death.
3. In psychology, understanding an individual's ultimate concern can help therapists address deeper issues that affect mental health and personal growth.
4. This concept underscores the interplay between religion and psychology, emphasizing how spiritual beliefs shape an individual's identity and coping mechanisms.
5. Different cultures and religions may express ultimate concerns uniquely, reflecting varying worldviews on existence, morality, and the meaning of life.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of ultimate concern influence individual decision-making in the context of religious beliefs?
  • Ultimate concern shapes how individuals prioritize their values and make choices that align with their fundamental beliefs. For example, someone whose ultimate concern revolves around faith may make life decisions based on religious teachings or community standards. This influence is significant as it directs actions toward fulfilling deeper existential needs while providing a framework for understanding personal experiences in relation to spirituality.
• Discuss how ultimate concern is related to self-actualization and the quest for meaning in humanistic psychology.
  • In humanistic psychology, ultimate concern is closely linked to self-actualization as it represents the journey toward realizing one's potential and finding meaning in life. Individuals are encouraged to explore their ultimate concerns to achieve personal growth and fulfillment. By addressing these profound issues, people can better understand themselves and pursue goals that resonate with their deepest values, ultimately leading to a more authentic existence.
• Evaluate the impact of cultural differences on expressions of ultimate concern within diverse religious frameworks.
  • Cultural differences significantly shape how ultimate concerns are articulated within various religious contexts. For instance, Eastern philosophies may emphasize harmony and interconnectedness as core concerns, while Western traditions might focus on individual salvation and existential questions. This evaluation highlights that understanding these expressions is essential for psychologists and theologians alike. It helps bridge gaps between differing worldviews and fosters a greater appreciation for the rich tapestry of human belief systems while addressing shared existential dilemmas.

Related terms

Existentialism: A philosophical movement that emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice, focusing on the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.

Transcendence:

The experience or state of going beyond ordinary limits; often associated with reaching a higher state of understanding or spiritual awareness.

Self-Actualization:

The realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potential, considered as a drive or need present in everyone, linked to finding one's ultimate concern.