self-concept
The concept we form of our self (also called “the concept of the self”). We spend our growing-up years trying to fashion a self-concept that fits the world and can meet its demands. But this concept is not an attempt to mirror who we really are, for our reality cannot be conceptualized or imaged. We are not an image. The self-image we make, then, is like a graven image; it is an idol designed to replace our divinity, our true Self. Our self-concept holds that we are weak, lacking, victimized, guilty, and primarily physical. This self-concept needs to be replaced. We do so by giving our brother a concept of himself as forgiven, innocent, and worthy of our faith. This will then become our concept of ourselves. And this more beneficent self-concept will pave the way for us to awaken from all self-concepts and discover Who we really are. See CE T-31.V.