Jesus & Personality Theory: Exploring the Five Factor Model

Jesus & Personality Theory: Exploring the Five Factor Model. By James R. Beck. Downers Grove: InterVarsity, 1999, 276 pp., $15.99 paper.

Integrating modern-day psychology with Biblical principles has been a long and warmly debated issue among Christian professionals. James Beck has accomplished a worthy example of this, coming to the topic with a high view of Scriptural truth. Taking what he calls "the big five" factors that undergird our personalities (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism; note the acrostic ocean), he explains each one and compares them with Biblical principles as exemplified by both Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul.

The two major theses of the book are: (1) Jesus is a counseling model for Christian counselors in that his teachings speak directly to the five major structural components of human personality; and (2) these teachings (Jesus' counseling) are indeed wonderful because they speak so perfectly to the composition of the human personality. To this reviewer's thinking both as a theologian and a marriage and family therapist, Beck has admirably succeeded in defending his theses. He has articulated the meaning of his five-factor ocean model, factored it into the teaching of Christ and shown how the components of human personality fit Biblical teachings and principles.

His argument would have been strengthened had he utilized the nature of the humanity of Jesus' personality as outlined in Luke 2:52: "Jesus increased in wisdom (i.e. mental maturity) and stature (physical maturity) and in favor with God (spiritual maturity) and man (social maturity)." Also, in Heb 2:9-18 there is a description of the experiential humanness of Jesus. These two passages of Scripture show the human side of his life, which further adds to the melding of both the human and divine nature of Christ; thus, the integration of the whole person is exemplified in him. This Biblical picture fits Beck's model of the concept of personality theory.

In order to make an assessment of comparability between the teachings of Jesus Christ and his five factors of personality, Beck utilized the "Big Five Questionnaire" (BFQ) that explores the factors. Next, he used the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised (NEO PI-R) questionnaire (designed to assess the five factors). Two respected NT scholars were then asked to rate the personalities of both Jesus and the apostle Paul using the NEO PI-R test instrument. Finally, Beck evaluated their findings.

I found the comparison with the five factor model quite interesting but wondered how significant the comparison really is since Jesus was a perfect person, both in his humanity and divinity, whereas Paul was imperfect in his personality and personhood. In some way we all would fit Paul's profile and, along with him, fall short of measuring up to Jesus Christ. None of us can compare to Jesus but, along with Paul, we all have a model of perfect personality in Jesus, who exemplified the five-factor model, and we can pattern our life toward wholeness after his life.

Beck's argument is compelling and provides a challenging and persuasive model of integration for Christian professionals searching for a depth and richness of God's grace in every human being. I would highly recommend this searching and provocative book.

John H. Stoll

A.S.K., Inc., St. Paul, MN

Copyright Evangelical Theological Society Mar 2001
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