In trying to be relevant in today's professing church, Matzat gives the wrong diagnosis for man's problem. This seriously weakens both his position and his credibility. We are told, for example, that man needs to find himself. We are told that man's most basic need is to feel good about himself.
Man needs to find meaning in life.
Man needs a positive self-image . Matzat does not refute these assumed needs of man and show that the whole emphasis is wrong. This is a crucial distinction. Man needs reconciliation with God, not with self. The New Testament directive to find our identity and life in Christ Jesus is not a simplistic solution.