What is an Introvert?

Since "introverted" is in the title of this blog, I want to define and address it.

The basic idea is that introverts prefer low stimulation environments and extraverts prefer higher stimulation environments. Social interactions are one main source of stimulation, so extraverts prefer crowds, making small talk, and other social interaction, while introverts do not. I've also heard these defined in reference to the situations where we gain "energy" or are drained of "energy," particularly in social situations.


I'm sure we've noticed for a long time that some people prefer crowds and some prefer quiet solitude.  Mr. and Mrs. Bennet from Pride and Prejudice are likely two ends of that spectrum. The more formal definitions of extraversion and introversion have also a relatively long history in psychology, and are part of current theories on personality, such as the "Big Five" model.

No one is only an introvert or extravert. We may naturally tend toward one or the other, but introverts can enjoy crowds at times and extraverts can gain from some solitude.

So what does all this have to do with our life as followers of Christ? First, I see nowhere in Scripture where either extraversion or introversion is called a sinful thing. It is simply a difference between us, like hair color, that makes us each unique individuals. Thus, we need not value one over the other.

But neither is an excuse for sin. We can selfishly desire social stimulation or quiet solitude. Like food, they are good for us in their proper measure, but harmful and sinful when indulged and pursued more than God. In the Body of Christ, Extraverts sometimes need to listen rather than amp up the social energy, and introverts need to come out of their shell and engage in fellowship. Both of those may be awkward for the person to work against their ingrained preference, but we are not called to be comfortable in this life, but to follow Christ wherever he leads.

For something more in-depth, the Wikipedia article on Extraversion and Introversion is fairly good.

Here are a few other fun articles:

• Nine Signs You're Really an Introvert
• 6 Illustrations
• Why Socializing Drains Introverts More Than Extroverts

And finally, I recommend this article, The Christian Introvert, from Tim Challies, who is more articulate on all this than I am.