The psychology of inner and outer space

Abstract

In popular psychology, inner space refers to thoughts, imagery, dreams, attitudes, and feelings, while outer space refers to the external environment. Such dichotomy is artificial and pernicious, leading to the proposition that spiritual growth occurs by expansion of inner space through exercise, transcendental meditation, selfhypnosis, the judicious use of drugs, and so on. Pastors alerted to this insidious psychology know that to separate existence from its milieu is both illogical and dangerous. The more insular the person, the more impersonal the society. Results can be tragic. Being an integrated inner person is to be a productive outer person. Otherwise the erosion of psychological and spiritual well-being is inevitable.