James-Lange Theory of Emotion and Redemption

James-Lange theory of emotion is very interesting. The common belief is that from the perception of an event, people first have an emotional experience and then respond. For example, if we lose our best friend, we are sad and we cry; if we see a bear, we are frightened and we run. James-Lange theory, however, is reversed. With William James, emotional experience occurs as a result of bodily reaction to events. Emotions depend on how we interpret the physiological reactions. According to the theory, when we lose our best friend, we begin to cry. We have increased heart rate and sweating. We then interpret our bodily manifestations and concluded that we are sad. Therefore, we are sad because we cry and we feel afraid because we run. Although this theory had been harshly criticized, there is something positive. It suggests the direct relationship between emotions and physical changes within the body. It also emphasizes the role of involuntary nervous system in having emotions. But it overemphasized the role of involuntary nervous system and misses out on the role central nervous system that are related to emotions.

I want to put James-Lange theory of emotion under the category of Redemption. An implication of the theory is that we should act according to the way we want to feel. I think of the process how we become Christians and saved by God. When we come across a religion called Christianity, we get to know the fact that we are all sinners and Jesus’s sacrificial death on the cross redeems us from our sins. Getting into heaven that filled with happiness and glory is only granted by God’s grace-Perception of an event. We want to be real and eternal happy. We first accept Jesus as our savior (to be Christians)-Act. We then feel real fulfilled and happy through the belief (develop faith)-Emotion. Although it may not be very appropriate, the process is similar with James Lange theory of emotion is some way.