Edward Deci and Richard Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory (SDT), crystallised in their seminal 1985 work, teaches that human flourishing arises when three universal psychological needs are honoured: autonomy (the experience of volition), competence (the felt sense of effectiveness), and relatedness (meaningful connection with others). This was a vision anticipated by earlier scholars such as Robert White’s concept of competence (1959), Richard de Charms’ work on personal causation and autonomy (1968), and later enriched by research on belonging by Baumeister and Leary (1995), and by Ryan and Deci’s integrative syntheses (2000, 2017). Seen through a Christian and Biblical lens, SDT resonates deeply with the doctrine of imago Dei (Genesis 1:26–27), affirming human agency and dignity (autonomy), the call to develop God-given gifts faithfully (competence; Matthew 25:14–30; Colossians 3:23), and the primacy of loving communion (relatedness; John 13:34–35; 1 Corinthians 12:12–27), while reminding us that true freedom is not self-centred license but willing alignment with God’s purposes (Galatians 5:13). In this harmony of psychological science and theology, SDT may offer profound value for personal wellbeing, supporting intrinsic motivation, resilience, and mental health, and also for societal health, guiding families, schools, churches, workplaces, and governments toward cultures that nurture responsible freedom, skilful contribution, and compassionate belonging, echoing the Biblical vision of shalom where individuals and communities thrive together (Jeremiah 29:7).