Strange things are happening to Woody the cowboy doll. He used to be Andy's favorite toy, but not anymore. Ever since the sudden birthday party appearance of the space toy Buzz Lightyear, Woody feels out of place and somewhat jealous. Woody, however, isn't the only one with problems. Waking up one morning in a toy box, rather than his usual spot on Andy's bed, Woody has had enough of Buzz.

"All right," says an exasperated Woody, "That's it!" He stomps over to Buzz, who is busily working on repairing his spaceship (the cardboard box he came in). After warning Buzz to stay away from Andy, Woody adds, "Stop with this space man thing. It's getting on my nerves!"

When Woody pushes Buzz and the space toy's helmet opens, Buzz falls to the floor, gasping for air, surprised the air isn't toxic.

"You actually think," says Woody, "you're the Buzz Lightyear?" It will take more than this encounter for Buzz to accept his true identity.

The concept of identity is significant. Who we are shapes what we do, but what we do also shapes who we are. If we lack a healthy understanding of the concept of identity, we will wander through life uncertain about what to do with ourselves.

As in the case of Buzz Lightyear, the lack of understanding of one's identity actually can be a form of deception. Knowing the truth about who we are and what we were made for is important. What, in general, is identity? What, specifically, is a Christian concept of identity? Does identity relate to wisdom and virtue? How can computer-generated films help us with our concept of identity? These are the questions we will seek to answer.

Who Am I?

Identity is a simple and complex concept. On a rudimentary level, identity has to do with who we are. As such, it addresses a fundamental philosophical question: "Who am I?"

Identity is also complex and multifaceted. Numerous influences contribute to shaping our identity, including our family background, ethnicity, cultural environment, vocational inclinations, religious adherence, moral choices and more. If we are unable to establish a healthy identity, confusion and unhappiness usually result.

While one can approach the question of identity in a variety of ways, the Christian position on the matter is unique. Identity for the Christian is first and foremost found in God. This is the case because we are made in God's image (Gen. 1:26-27), a concept broached in chapter two in relation to human creativity. The image of God in us is key to understanding our identity and purpose, as well as to restoring our relationship with God. In the New Testament, Christ is representative of the image of God (2 Cor. 4:4; Col. 1:15), thus providing us with an example of what God's image looks like. Although much more could be said on the topic, its relevance here is on identity in relation to virtue. The image of God encompasses the moral realm, which is why we are moral creatures. If our worldview has a proper foundation in God, then so should our identity. Consequently, our moral choices will reflect this fact.