The Three Layers
The Three Layers is a tool for Contextualization of the Kingdom and the Gospel according to the three identity-sets of a person’s life. Sociologists and psychologists have observed we have different identities or ways to engaging and expressing our person-hood depending on our context. When we are alone, we have an individual identity and internal conversation that differs from when we are in a group we closely identify with like family, friends, or work team (relational). In the same way, we are often not the same person when we are outside of a close-knit group and in a societal role. This doesn’t mean we’re really a different person — just that we’re changing “hats”.
These Three Layers may show up in the life of Jesus based on three ways Jesus was addressed. When he spoke of himself and his individual and internal identity, he used the term Son. Among his close disciples he was “Rabboni” — an affectionate name like “Teach”. To the crowds and the institutions of his time he was Rabbi — a recognized societal role.
The Three Layers
Individual
Your internal self-image and conversation. Only shared between you and perhaps God.
Formed over long-term by “ingesting” identity from other layers.
Relational
The image of yourself you share with others who closely know you. Generally very fluid as it is informed over the short-term by recent interactions and is selective of what it accepts from the other layers.
Societal
The formal identity you have in the societal constructs around you. Generally very static and informed by transactions with institutions. Formed over long-term by expressing capacities from other layers.