What is the Christian view of human nature? (Jesus Christ, moral)

[Elvendon]

I will post my view later, but I am interested to know how all the different denominations view human nature. Feel free to post even if you are not a Christian, but have questions to ask or have some knowledge of Christian theology.

[Sunstone]

In general, I think the Christian notion of human nature focuses on moral questions, rather than on psychological, sociological, biological, or other aspects of human nature.

That is, many or most Christians believe that there was once a Golden Age (The Garden Of Eden) during which humans were sinless (morally perfect). They believe this age ended due to human choice. And they believe that humans have ever since been sinful. Thus, the human condition is one of moral imperfection. Moreover, this moral imperfection is in need of redemption.

Christianity is not the only religion to describe humans as morally imperfect. For instance, Confucianism would agree with Christianity that humans are morally imperfect. But while Confucianism asserts that proper study and education can lead to moral humans, Christianity asserts that Divine Intervention is needed (in the form of Jesus Christ) to redeem humans from their moral corruption.

[Scuba Pete]

CS Lewis did a wonderful word study on "Nature, Natura and Phusis" and it is the uderlying theme in ALL of his books (including "The Lion, The Witch & the Wardrobe"), especially his space trilogy. The first of that series (Out of the Silent Planet) creates a Martian language where a being is referred to as a "hnau" and a being who does something outside of it's nature is referred to as a "bent hnau".

Original human nature is to praise and love God as well as each other. Unfortunately, we are "Bent Hnau" and so our broken nature is to hate and destroy each other.

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Sunstone

In general, I think the Christian notion of human nature focuses on moral questions, rather than on psychological, sociological, biological, or other aspects of human nature.

That is, many or most Christians believe that there was once a Golden Age (The Garden Of Eden) during which humans were sinless (morally perfect). They believe this age ended due to human choice. And they believe that humans have ever since been sinful. Thus, the human condition is one of moral imperfection. Moreover, this moral imperfection is in need of redemption.

Christianity is not the only religion to describe humans as morally imperfect. For instance, Confucianism would agree with Christianity that humans are morally imperfect. But while Confucianism asserts that proper study and education can lead to moral humans, Christianity asserts that Divine Intervention is needed (in the form of Jesus Christ) to redeem humans from their moral corruption.

That's a good explanation of what I believe. I probably can't explain it any better than the way you put it Phil. I am imperfect and sinful, but made perfect through Jesus Christ. In other words, I could never break myself from sin except through Jesus' sacrifice for us.

[sparkyluv]

Originally Posted by Todd

That's a good explanation of what I believe. I probably can't explain it any better than the way you put it Phil. I am imperfect and sinful, but made perfect through Jesus Christ. In other words, I could never break myself from sin except through Jesus' sacrifice for us.

I agree