It is often said we see God through nature, through His creation. I see God through human nature. If we were simply creatures of evolution you would think our natural tendencies would be lean toward habits that extend and improve our lives. Yet, it seems like we have to work so much harder to forms habits that improve our quality of life while it is so easy to form destructive habits. How do we explain suicide? How do we explain crime, drug addiction, and sexual perversion? Are we really evolving?
Our views on human nature determine how we tackle social problems. Humanism philosophy basically boils down to a belief that we are meant to live a life of "self actualization". Humanist believe there is no such thing as human nature and no such thing as evil. Human nature is formed and not natural according to the humanist view. Jean-Jaquez Rouseau, a French philosopher who greatly influenced Marxist thought, believed man is basically good and institutions such as family and church impede our desires for self actualization. This explains why communist regimes either outlaw or severely restrict religious activity. Freedom is downplayed while an authoritarian State is required. We are seeing this same Marxist view in our country today as many activists and community leaders believe the nuclear family structure and church are an impediment to social justice and change. Many of these leaders would outlaw home schooling and any kind of school choice in favor of State supported indoctrination. An objective would be to greatly reduce the influence of parents.
A Godly view of human nature is knowing we are "sinful". In other words, we are flawed individuals that have to work at living the life we were created for. We are in a constant state of conflict between our basic nature and desire to do good. Institutions such as family and church actually help us to live the life we were meant to live. A Godly view of human nature also puts a great deal of importance in free will. We should be free to make our choices, including our choice to accept or reject God. An emphasis on free will means we are more effectively driven by rewards for good behavior and discouraged from bad behavior because of the consequences. For personal change to be effective we need to want to change as opposed to being forced to change. Our relationship with God helps us overcome our destructive nature and leads us to make healthy choices. It is what produces a deep down desire to be part of the solution instead of the problem. It is what makes us want to be a force to make other lives better instead of seeking self gratification.
Sigmund Freud is well known for his views on human nature. In a nutshell he believed our desire for sex was behind all our motivations. He was half right. The Bible points out we either live for the flesh (those who reject God) or live for the spirit (those searching for God). Freud was hostile to Christianity, which explains why he believed we only live to satisfy our physical desires. He does not account for those who have a desire to make a difference in this world, in other words, those who know there is something to satisfying the spirit. Anyone who has played sports has fantasized making the game winning score. Why? I do not believe it is to build up our ego, I believe it is part of our God given instinct to have a life of value. We know we made our teammates, fans, and coaches happy, and it is a very fulfilling feeling. How much more fulfilling is it when we bring happiness and joy to others in matters far more important than a sporting event? To me this means there is far more to our creation then just surviving.
It is difficult to discuss this topic in just a few paragraphs. I just ask that you think about what belief system has been more effective in providing human fulfillment and well being.
Our views on human nature determine how we tackle social problems. Humanism philosophy basically boils down to a belief that we are meant to live a life of "self actualization". Humanist believe there is no such thing as human nature and no such thing as evil. Human nature is formed and not natural according to the humanist view. Jean-Jaquez Rouseau, a French philosopher who greatly influenced Marxist thought, believed man is basically good and institutions such as family and church impede our desires for self actualization. This explains why communist regimes either outlaw or severely restrict religious activity. Freedom is downplayed while an authoritarian State is required. We are seeing this same Marxist view in our country today as many activists and community leaders believe the nuclear family structure and church are an impediment to social justice and change. Many of these leaders would outlaw home schooling and any kind of school choice in favor of State supported indoctrination. An objective would be to greatly reduce the influence of parents.
A Godly view of human nature is knowing we are "sinful". In other words, we are flawed individuals that have to work at living the life we were created for. We are in a constant state of conflict between our basic nature and desire to do good. Institutions such as family and church actually help us to live the life we were meant to live. A Godly view of human nature also puts a great deal of importance in free will. We should be free to make our choices, including our choice to accept or reject God. An emphasis on free will means we are more effectively driven by rewards for good behavior and discouraged from bad behavior because of the consequences. For personal change to be effective we need to want to change as opposed to being forced to change. Our relationship with God helps us overcome our destructive nature and leads us to make healthy choices. It is what produces a deep down desire to be part of the solution instead of the problem. It is what makes us want to be a force to make other lives better instead of seeking self gratification.
Sigmund Freud is well known for his views on human nature. In a nutshell he believed our desire for sex was behind all our motivations. He was half right. The Bible points out we either live for the flesh (those who reject God) or live for the spirit (those searching for God). Freud was hostile to Christianity, which explains why he believed we only live to satisfy our physical desires. He does not account for those who have a desire to make a difference in this world, in other words, those who know there is something to satisfying the spirit. Anyone who has played sports has fantasized making the game winning score. Why? I do not believe it is to build up our ego, I believe it is part of our God given instinct to have a life of value. We know we made our teammates, fans, and coaches happy, and it is a very fulfilling feeling. How much more fulfilling is it when we bring happiness and joy to others in matters far more important than a sporting event? To me this means there is far more to our creation then just surviving.
It is difficult to discuss this topic in just a few paragraphs. I just ask that you think about what belief system has been more effective in providing human fulfillment and well being.