The Concept of Perfectionism

To understand men such as Noyes, Jones and Howell, it is necessary to understand the concept of perfectionism and its origins. Why do we have this idea of the perfect? Why would anyone aspire to or believe in the possibility of a perfect world? In short, what is perfectionism and is there something else besides a religious belief at the root of this concept?

Perfectionism may be defined as ". . .any doctrine that holds that moral, religious, or social perfection can and should be attained in this life." Perfect suggests ". . .the extreme degree of excellence according to a given standard."

Certain psychologists believe the concept of perfection is innate. "Jung and Freud believed we have an intuitive and instinctive knowledge of the perfect and the flawed." Jung called the idea of perfection part of the ". . . unconscious, universal images that are part of the inherited nature of the psyche and represent common human needs, instincts, and potentials." Our idea of perfection is a yardstick by which we measure everything else. Everyone has some perfectionist traits. This doesn't normally pose a problem unless one can't discern the difference between the ability to conceive of perfection and real world behavior.

Many people throughout history have tried to achieve perfection. Writers, such as Plato and Sir Thomas More, wrote very detailed accounts regarding their idea of a perfect society. Hundreds of books have been written concerning factual and fictional accounts of attempts of the perfect world or Utopia. Perfectionism in American theological doctrine and religious teachings began with the writings of Englishman John Wesley. J.A. Wood's Christian Perfection as Taught by John Wesley suggests that Wesley's idea of Christian perfection was not a "behavioral compliance with an absolute standard of perfection" but a changing of inner attitudes and motives. To Wesley, only God was completely infallible and sinlessly perfect. In the last 200 years this idea has changed. For many religious groups perfection is equated with salvation. Only by becoming perfect in every way in this life can one attain salvation and be fit to reign in a new kingdom with Christ.