What is it?

The personality traits of extraversion (or extroversion) and introversion are a central dimension in some human personality theories. They were initially defined by Carl Jung.

Carl Jung (Colleague to Freud), developed analytical psychology, and further; individuation.

Individuation is in general, the process by which individual beings are formed and differentiated from other human beings. In particular, it is the development of the psychological individual as a being distinct from the general, collective

Individuation is a process of transformation whereby the personal and collective unconscious are brought into consciousness (e.g., by means of dreams, active imagination, or free association) to be assimilated into the whole personality. According to Jung, it is a completely natural process necessary for the integration of the psyche.

Psyche is the greek word for soul. In psychology it is often the totality of the human mind, conscious and unconscious.

So what does it mean?

Extraversion tends to be manifested in outgoing, talkative, energetic behavior, whereas introversion is manifested in more reflective and reserved behavior.

Jung defined introversion as an “attitude-type characterised by orientation in life through subjective psychic contents”, and extraversion as “an attitude-type characterised by concentration of interest on the external object”.

Contrasting the two;

Extroversion is the state of primarily obtaining gratification from outside oneself
Introversion is the state of being predominantly interested in one’s own mental self.

Generally speaking, these traits exist on a single continuum of both extremes, with a balance in the middle being called ambiversion.

So what is, or isn’t biblical about all of this?

First, the elephant. We understand God, Humanity, Creation and every experience therein according to the General, Special and Divine Revelations of the triune God, namely through the Word, and the Word made Flesh by the power of the Spirit. This is our Christian Worldview. Psychology is, and always will fall short as a worldview.

The following are all theological questions; they are all worldview questions:

“Who are we?” This is the core question that every counselor asks. It is the core question that psychology explores—what is the nature of human nature? We either derive our answer to this worldview question through secular theoretical psychology (human reasoning) or through biblical theology (Divine revelation).

“What Went Wrong?” This is the second foundational question that every counselor asks. It is the core question that our world describes as psychopathology—the sickness (sin) of the soul. We either derive our answer to this worldview question through secular theoretical psychology (human reasoning) or through biblical theology (Divine revelation).

“How Do People Change?” This is the third foundational question that every counselor asks. Our world calls this psychotherapy—the healing of the soul. We either derive our answer to this worldview question through secular theoretical psychology (human reasoning) or through biblical theology (Divine revelation).

Back to Jungian Personality traits…

We are made up of two parts. Body and soul. The two are interconnected, and bond in togetherness. We are infact “embodied souls”, see also 2 Corin. 4:16 (more here: https://www.ccef.org/psychological-does-not-exist/) This is in contrast to the body-soul-spirit trichotomists view, or the humanistic view of the physical (body) and non physical (mind) dualism (more here: https://www.simplypsychology.org/mindbodydebate.html)

In contrast to individuation, we know we are fearfully and wonderfully made, formed by God (Psalm 139, Psalm 119), and our lives are the work of His hand (Isaiah 64:8, Ephesian 2:10).

In contrast to both extremes of extroversion and introversion, we should pursue God for our satisfaction, gratification, joy, and pleasure NOT our social setting or lack thereof. As Psalm 16:11 reads: “You [God] make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

Certainly, as fearfully and wonderfully made people, you may be more “comfortable” in certain situations and less in others.

But where does the bible mention your personal comfort? When does spiritual growth come in comfort?

Christ enjoyed the company of many, and also in solace. Not because of his extroverted or introverted tendencies but because He found his joy and pleasure in God. He used both time with people, and time away from people, to glorify God and enjoy Him.

For those of us that love to be around people, perhaps we should focus on how we spend that time. Is it for our enjoyment, or are we made joyful in using those relationships and times to glorify God by loving and leading others? Or do we find pleasure and self gratification in our friendships and social statuses? Perhaps we fall into disobedience by neglecting the time alone, in stillness and quiet and reflection where God wants to minister to us.

Conversely, for those individuals who love to be alone, do we fill that space with non material, non relational noise? Do we simply retitle selfish behavior? Can we use this time to be “recharged” by the Spirit of God, instead of netflix? And can we be spiritually matured by engaging in relationships and community, even if this is uncomfortable?