Foundational Elements of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and Jesus Christ’s Teachings of Human Need Management

Abstract

Human need is an important phenomenon. It is widely studied and analyzed in daily life. This study was about human need and its reality in the perspectives of Abraham Maslow and Jesus Christ. The paper predominately analyzes Maslow’s hierarchy of need and Jesus Christ’s teachings of human need management. The paper identified the foundational elements of both these models of human need management. The findings point out the foundational element of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as being self-oriented for it is natural (without God) man’s thinking. On the other hand, Jesus Christ’s teachings of human need management stand on ‘Life” as the foundational element, and seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness would provide all other needs. Establishment of spiritual (Life) in a human being is a sure establishment of physical. The similarity of Maslow’s and Jesus Christ’s teachings both identify the foundational element, self, which seeks to manage human need based on physiological need. Jesus points out the human conception of “self” being the foundation for need management is a misconception (Human fallen nature’s propensity). Jesus Christ’s teachings point out that Life is the real foundation/way/truth for human need management/fulfillment.