Introduction
The concept of mind renewal is fundamental to Christian spiritual growth and transformation. It is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, particularly in passages such as Romans 12:2, which implores believers to "be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (NKJV). This chapter explores the Mind Renewal Theory (MRT), which draws parallels between various communication theories and the biblical mechanism of mind renewal. By examining the influence of media on identity formation through the lens of these theories, we can better understand the spiritual and psychological processes that shape individual behavior and character.
Media Influence on Identity Formation
Media plays a significant role in shaping identities, especially during the formative years of childhood and adolescence. The story of Paul Salmaniw, as presented in the Mind Renewal Theory, exemplifies the profound impact media can have on an individual's self-concept and behavior. Raised in a middle-class home in Toronto during the 1980s, Paul spent much of his time watching television, absorbing the content that was broadcast to him.
From children's shows to music videos, the media provided Paul with a template for his identity. As he matured, he began to emulate the personas he saw on screen, particularly those of rap artists. This shift in self-concept was not superficial; it deeply influenced his thoughts, speech, and actions, leading him down a path of criminal behavior. The media's role in this transformation can be understood through communication theories such as Cultivation Theory, Symbolic Interaction Theory, and Agenda Setting Theory.
Cultivation Theory, developed by George Gerbner, posits that long-term exposure to media content can shape an individual's perceptions of reality. Gerbner’s work highlights how “the repetitive pattern of television’s mass-produced messages and images forms the mainstream of a common symbolic environment” (Gerbner, 1995). In Paul's case, the media cultivated a worldview that glorified violence, rebellion, and materialism, ultimately influencing his behavior.
Symbolic Interaction Theory, which emphasizes the role of social interactions in the development of self-concept, suggests that Paul's interactions with media content acted as a form of socialization, shaping his identity based on the symbols and meanings presented to him. As West and Turner (2014) note, "individuals act toward things based on the meanings those things have for them," and these meanings are derived from social interactions. For Paul, the media was a significant source of these interactions and meanings.
Agenda Setting Theory, proposed by McCombs and Shaw, highlights how media prioritizes certain issues or ideas, influencing public perception and behavior. West and Turner (2014) explain that the media doesn't just tell us what to think, but rather what to think about, by giving more coverage to certain topics over others. For Paul, the media's emphasis on certain lifestyles and behaviors reinforced his belief that these were desirable and worth emulating. Through these theories, we can see how media acts as a powerful force in identity formation, especially when individuals lack alternative role models or guidance.
Cognitive Dissonance and Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
The process of identity formation is often accompanied by cognitive dissonance—a psychological phenomenon where an individual experiences discomfort due to conflicting thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors. Leon Festinger's Cognitive Dissonance Theory explains that individuals are motivated to reduce this discomfort by altering their beliefs or behaviors to achieve consistency. Timpe (1999) describes cognitive dissonance as "a state of mental discomfort or tension resulting from holding two conflicting cognitions simultaneously."
In Paul's life, cognitive dissonance occurred as he struggled to reconcile his emerging identity with his previous values. As he increasingly identified with the gangster lifestyle portrayed in the media, he adjusted his beliefs and behaviors to align with this new identity, despite initial discomfort. This adjustment led to a self-fulfilling prophecy, where Paul's actions reinforced his self-concept as a criminal, further entrenching him in this destructive identity.
The cycle of cognitive dissonance and self-fulfilling prophecy highlights the importance of thought in shaping behavior. The biblical principle that "as a man thinks in his heart, so is he" (Proverbs 23:7, NKJV) underscores the idea that our thoughts have a profound impact on our actions and identity. In the Christian context, renewing the mind with God's Word is essential for breaking free from negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Mind Renewal: A Path to Transformation
Mind Renewal Theory suggests that the same processes that lead to negative identity formation can be harnessed for positive transformation through the renewal of the mind. The Bible teaches that believers are to "put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:22-23, NKJV). This renewal involves replacing negative, worldly thoughts with the truth of God's Word.
In Paul's case, his post-conversion journey involved a deliberate effort to renew his mind. By meditating on Scripture, attending church, and surrounding himself with positive influences, Paul began to replace the destructive messages he had internalized with the truth of God's promises. Anderson (2003) emphasizes that true discipleship involves "replacing old, harmful thought patterns with new, life-giving truths from God’s Word." Over time, this led to a transformation in his thoughts, speech, and actions—reflecting the image of Christ rather than the image of his former idols.
The process of mind renewal aligns with communication theories that emphasize the power of narrative and role models in shaping identity. Fisher's Narrative Paradigm Theory suggests that humans are natural storytellers, and the stories we internalize shape our beliefs and actions. As West and Turner (2014) state, "people are more persuaded by a good story than by a good argument." By internalizing the narratives of Scripture and adopting Jesus as his role model, Paul was able to reorient his identity towards righteousness and away from the destructive path he had previously followed.
Conclusion
The interaction between media influence and biblical mind renewal provides a comprehensive framework for understanding identity formation. The story of Paul Salmaniw illustrates how media can shape self-concept and behavior, but it also demonstrates the transformative power of mind renewal through God's Word. By renewing the mind, believers can overcome negative influences and align their identity with the truth of Scripture.
In conclusion, the battle for the mind is a crucial aspect of the Christian journey. As believers guard their thoughts and renew their minds, they can experience true transformation, reflecting the image of Christ rather than the distorted images presented by the world. The Mind Renewal Theory, grounded in both communication theory and biblical principles, offers valuable insights into this ongoing process of spiritual growth and identity formation.
References
Anderson, N. T. (2003). Discipleship Counseling (B. Unseth, Ed.). Regal. Anderson emphasizes that discipleship involves "replacing old, harmful thought patterns with new, life-giving truths from God’s Word."
Beebe, S. A., Beebe, S. J., & Redmond, M. V. (2014). Interpersonal Relationships (7th ed.).
Pearson. This text defines self-concept as the "internal image people possess of themselves," refined through social interactions.
Dobkin, B. A., & Pace, R. C. (2013). Communication in a Changing World. McGraw Hill.
Dobkin and Pace discuss the refinement of self-concept through social interactions, noting that even media consumption can be a form of social interaction.
Gerbner, G. (1995). “Marketing Global Mayhem.” Javnost-The Public, 2(2), 71-76. Gerbner explains that "the repetitive pattern of television’s mass-produced messages and images forms the mainstream of a common symbolic environment."
Meier, P. D., Minirth, F. B., Wichern, F. B., & Ratcliff, D. E. (1991). Introduction to Psychology and Counseling: Christian Perspectives and Applications (Second Edition). Baker Books.
Meier discusses the concept of self-fulfilling prophecy, where "people reinforce their self-concepts by doing what they expect they will do."
Richmond, V. P., McCroskey, J. C., & Powell, L. (2013). Organizational Communication for Survival (5th ed.). Pearson. This work highlights how communication influences organizational survival, mirroring the influence of media on personal identity.
Timpe, R. L. (1999). Cognitive Dissonance. In D. G. Benner & P. C. Hill (Eds.), Baker Encyclopedia of Psychology & Counseling (2nd ed.). Baker. Timpe defines cognitive dissonance as "a state of mental discomfort or tension resulting from holding two conflicting cognitions simultaneously."
West, R., & Turner, L. H. (2014). Introducing Communication Theory: Analysis and Application (4th ed.). McGraw Hill. West and Turner describe how "people are more persuaded by a good story than by a good argument," emphasizing the power of narrative in shaping beliefs and actions.
The New King James Version. (1982). Thomas Nelson. This version of the Bible provides the foundational texts referenced throughout the chapter.