In the Book of Genesis, it is written that "God created man in His own image; male and female He created them." This means that every human being has a unique identity that is given to them from birth.
Throughout life, people may change their names due to various reasons such as marriage, adoption, religion, or personal preference. Does this mean that they are changing who they are meant to be or do these changes reflect God's original intention for them? This article will explore how renaming oneself can mirror God's creative word in Genesis. It will also examine whether such changes have an impact on one's identity, self-esteem, and relationships.
Let us consider the idea of 'renaming.' Renaming involves choosing a new name that better suits one's personality, beliefs, values, or aspirations. Someone who feels disconnected from their current name might decide to adopt a more fitting moniker.
Someone named Jennifer may prefer to be called Jenny because she likes its informal tone. In contrast, someone named Sarah may choose to be called Sally if she wants to distance herself from her past. When choosing a new name, people often think about what best represents who they want to be in the future. They may seek inspiration from their favorite book characters, movie stars, historical figures, or family members. The process of renaming requires careful consideration and introspection about one's identity and purpose.
We must ask ourselves why humans choose to rename themselves. One reason could be personal growth and development. By taking on a new name, individuals aim to become their ideal selves, leaving behind old habits and mistakes. Another reason could be cultural affiliation, where people choose names that represent their culture, ethnicity, or spiritual beliefs. Yet another reason could be practicality, where parents give their children uncommon or difficult-to-pronounce names, leading them to change it as adults. Whatever the motivation for renaming oneself, there is always a meaning behind it.
Changing one's name can impact an individual's self-esteem. A study conducted by Levinson et al. (2014) found that people with common surnames felt less unique than those with rare ones. Similarly, people with unusual names felt pressure to live up to expectations associated with them. This suggests that naming has psychological effects, which may enhance or hinder one's sense of self.
Other studies have shown that individuals who changed their names reported higher levels of confidence and satisfaction afterward.
Renaming affects relationships with others.
Someone who changes their surname due to marriage may experience confusion regarding what to call their in-laws.
Some cultures frown upon name-changing, causing tension within families. People who adopt non-traditional names may receive negative reactions from peers or coworkers, while others may view them as trying too hard to fit in. The act of renaming can lead to misunderstanding or even conflict with loved ones.
Renaming oneself mirrors God's creative word in Genesis by allowing individuals to discover themselves and create new identities. While this process may involve introspection, personal growth, and relationship difficulties, it ultimately reflects our desire to become better versions of ourselves. Whether choosing a new moniker or not, we must remember that our worth comes from our Creator, not our names.
Can the act of renaming oneself mirror God's creative word in Genesis?
Renaming oneself is often associated with self-discovery, identity formation, and personal growth, which can reflect some characteristics of divine creation in Genesis. According to Genesis 2:19-20, after creating humans from the dust of the earth, God breathed life into them and created male and female. This process of creation involved a naming ceremony where Adam was given his name by God.