THE REPRESSION THEORY Part 1

The wisdom of the fathers

THE REPRESSION THEORY Part 1

One method of dealing with the "old man'' is found in the repression theory. The erroneous doctrine is seen permeating the books of her most spiritual writers. The '' old man '' is recognized as remaining in the heart after regeneration. They affirm that he cannot be destroyed, but is held in a state of subjection and suppression.

The trouble about this method or theory is that it is calculated to fill the Christian heart and life with a vague dread of the sudden uprising of the "old man."

When men sailed across the seas in slave ships filled with human beings in captivity there was bound to be an uneasy feeling day and night, that there would be a sudden rush for liberty, a bursting open of the hatchway and a dreaded and dreadful appearing on the deck.

In like manner there is a secret uneasiness in the soul in regard to sudden ebullitions and manifestations of suppressed dispositions and tendencies in the open life. Such a state is not reconcilable with the thought of perfect rest. 

(from "The Old Man" by Beverly Carradine)