Monday, January 12, 2009
Are people born evil?
Yes, No; Yes, No;....yes, no;...... hmm..... NO!
Thats how difficult it is to answer this question.
People will answer yes or no, based on the way their lives have been shaped/influenced by their social interactions.
Is it possible to answer this question objectively?
I think it is rather difficult.
Kinda like - Is there a God?
This is my take.
People are born blank.
Just a clean white/black board.
We become what we eat, where we live, who we interact with in a very complex way such that it is impossible to have 2 people eating the same thing, living in the same place and interacting with the same people being exactly the same.
Though we are born blank, we are born with different gifts and weaknesses that also interact with the above.
So, combine my love for my ego with my weakness for not caring for others; and my childhood of savage beating from my dad with my love for fighting (war) games; and my good leadership skills with my religious zeal; and a history teacher I admire that taught German Nationalism almost fanatically, and you get a Hitler.
There is no logic to this. No science. It just happens.
Are there 'good' genes and 'evil' genes?
Not sure.
But, I can conclude that people become good or evil. Not born.
My thoughts.
What are yours?
As promised earlier:
1 hour only
Thats how difficult it is to answer this question.
People will answer yes or no, based on the way their lives have been shaped/influenced by their social interactions.
Is it possible to answer this question objectively?
I think it is rather difficult.
Kinda like - Is there a God?
This is my take.
People are born blank.
Just a clean white/black board.
We become what we eat, where we live, who we interact with in a very complex way such that it is impossible to have 2 people eating the same thing, living in the same place and interacting with the same people being exactly the same.
Though we are born blank, we are born with different gifts and weaknesses that also interact with the above.
So, combine my love for my ego with my weakness for not caring for others; and my childhood of savage beating from my dad with my love for fighting (war) games; and my good leadership skills with my religious zeal; and a history teacher I admire that taught German Nationalism almost fanatically, and you get a Hitler.
There is no logic to this. No science. It just happens.
Are there 'good' genes and 'evil' genes?
Not sure.
But, I can conclude that people become good or evil. Not born.
My thoughts.
What are yours?
As promised earlier:
1 hour only
42 comments:
Hmm, I never thought of the Christian perspective.
Interesting view.
So, we are all evil regardless?
Biblically, that makes sense.
Not so easy to accept by all though.
Interesting view.
So, we are all evil regardless?
Biblically, that makes sense.
Not so easy to accept by all though.
I would have thought otherwise- the fruit gave them knowledge of Good and Evil- So I guess it's left for them/us to fall either way- but that's just my view.
Beluah please explain further..
Beluah please explain further..
I agree with you; no one is born good or evil; we wr born blank.
we are a product of what we hear, see, eat, think...
we r a product of the choices we make, pple we interact with...
Yeah the heart of man is desperately wicked. but @ the same time we were made in d image & likeness of God.
we are a product of what we hear, see, eat, think...
we r a product of the choices we make, pple we interact with...
Yeah the heart of man is desperately wicked. but @ the same time we were made in d image & likeness of God.
i kind of disagree with beulah. suppose by some error a child of man is build in heaven? would he/she still have d tendency to sin? but den, i was watching dis video of human science & saw 3 year olds lying to get out of whaat they perceived as a bad situation (they were told not to look back at a toy train). now, i wonder, who tot dem to lie? however, dat they lie doesn't necessarily mean they'd b evil. infact, d facilitator of d study tot it was a sign of higher intelligence that d kids lied!
so, my reply. we r born sort of blank. but there r those, by some of those inner attributes, dat make dem more likely to pick up evil characteristics later n live. who knows, maybe they r born wit a seed of evil that later germinated into trees.
so, my reply. we r born sort of blank. but there r those, by some of those inner attributes, dat make dem more likely to pick up evil characteristics later n live. who knows, maybe they r born wit a seed of evil that later germinated into trees.
This comment has been removed by the author.
come on Tobenna! this is not fair, i cannot see the link o. I come here first thing this morning and wait patiently with your page permanently open on my system (while at work!), then i come back and refresh and there is nothing to view?
no fair
regarding ur questions, there are some people who leave no doubt in my mind that they were born evil, because if their being evil is a direct result of their environment, it would mean that they "learned" evil yea? which would mean that once they change environments to a good one, they should be able to "unlearn" by virtue of !
does that happen in a lot of cases? no!
that's my take
so the pictures s'il te plait...
no fair
regarding ur questions, there are some people who leave no doubt in my mind that they were born evil, because if their being evil is a direct result of their environment, it would mean that they "learned" evil yea? which would mean that once they change environments to a good one, they should be able to "unlearn" by virtue of !
does that happen in a lot of cases? no!
that's my take
so the pictures s'il te plait...
Hi Friend,
Nobody is born evil, only our surroundings changes us.
Nice to read ur post.
i would like to share my link with ur blog.
visit my cycadelia.blogspot.com
Nobody is born evil, only our surroundings changes us.
Nice to read ur post.
i would like to share my link with ur blog.
visit my cycadelia.blogspot.com
I agree with Beulah on this
answer is YES!!
A lot of of places in the bible even Ps 51:5 says it ' in sin did my mother conceive me"
Think of it, does anyone teach a child to lie? NO!
No one taught you to be mischeivious,
No one taught you to be jealous envious of another child
We all do bad things( bad is not only the big things, like murder, armed robbery or being evil like Hitler)....we all have the natural inclination to do bad, ( just that soem people choose not to).............except we want to deceive ourselves
We were born bad, but God gives us oppportnity to make things right, gives us the grace and power to live right ( if we choose to)
Even though itsnot easy to accept
For me, I would say its always an issue of choice ( not of birth), we choose to do good or to do evil!
answer is YES!!
A lot of of places in the bible even Ps 51:5 says it ' in sin did my mother conceive me"
Think of it, does anyone teach a child to lie? NO!
No one taught you to be mischeivious,
No one taught you to be jealous envious of another child
We all do bad things( bad is not only the big things, like murder, armed robbery or being evil like Hitler)....we all have the natural inclination to do bad, ( just that soem people choose not to).............except we want to deceive ourselves
We were born bad, but God gives us oppportnity to make things right, gives us the grace and power to live right ( if we choose to)
Even though itsnot easy to accept
For me, I would say its always an issue of choice ( not of birth), we choose to do good or to do evil!
Hmmm..a lot of things contribute to mans behaviour..his environmemt, experiences, teachings, influences, nuture etc. God gave us free will..some choose to do good and others thrive in inflicting pain..Adolf Hitler proves just that
I don't think we are born evil..but life gives us choices.
I don't think we are born evil..but life gives us choices.
where are the pics!!! You promised!!
One of the great debates in psychology, Nature vs. Nuture.
"Though we are born blank, we are born with different gifts and weaknesses that also interact with the above." I think that statement is a contradiction in itself.
I don't think people are born blank. A lot of people who we term evil based on whatever criteria u chose to use are influenced by some chemical imbalance in their brain, if u ask me. That in my opinion is nature/genetics. My little experience working in a mental hospital makes me say that.
As a psych major, i think we concluded that we are who we are based on nature AND nurture (our experiences). It is not one OR the other.
"Though we are born blank, we are born with different gifts and weaknesses that also interact with the above." I think that statement is a contradiction in itself.
I don't think people are born blank. A lot of people who we term evil based on whatever criteria u chose to use are influenced by some chemical imbalance in their brain, if u ask me. That in my opinion is nature/genetics. My little experience working in a mental hospital makes me say that.
As a psych major, i think we concluded that we are who we are based on nature AND nurture (our experiences). It is not one OR the other.
Twinnie,how could you have done dis?
1st i dint see d link,second it took 4ever to be able to type dis comment.
lastly,i agree.no one was born evil or holy,we are all a product of what we have been exposed to deliberately or odawise
1st i dint see d link,second it took 4ever to be able to type dis comment.
lastly,i agree.no one was born evil or holy,we are all a product of what we have been exposed to deliberately or odawise
crap. I missed the one hour window. Time difference is EVIL!
Great post. I believe this is my take as well. The debate of Nurture vs Nature is a mighty interesting one, and even I, sometimes, change opinions depending on the day.
But 95% of the time, I do believe that everybody is born with a blank slate with certain genetic predispositions (quiet nature, vivacious, etc... etc...). The chemistry of interactions start as early as while the kid is in the womb. And then the onslaught just never stops. Nurture helps nature grow, reveal itself and blossom into an evil or good person.
My $.02.
Meanwhile, it's not fair to us in the US for the pictures. By the time we get on, the time is always already up! *sigh*
But 95% of the time, I do believe that everybody is born with a blank slate with certain genetic predispositions (quiet nature, vivacious, etc... etc...). The chemistry of interactions start as early as while the kid is in the womb. And then the onslaught just never stops. Nurture helps nature grow, reveal itself and blossom into an evil or good person.
My $.02.
Meanwhile, it's not fair to us in the US for the pictures. By the time we get on, the time is always already up! *sigh*
i think some people are born evil....even if we are not going religious or spiritual here. even according to some zodiac signs...explanations and ish.....u see them describing different signs/ personality traits as being essential good.as in inherently nice....wht abt genetics.....some personality traits are actually hereditary....dont u find tht some of ur sibs behave either tlike ur dad or ur mom?so if we have evil parents , tht is not to say the kids would automatically give off evil vibes cos we know tht some genes are recessive and all..but it is safe to say its likely one of the kids would have emulated this and combined with watching the parents and emulating them they display bad xtics. so i believe tht as much as environmental factors play a large role...some pple too ae inherently bad.
ah where r the pictures oooooooooo
i agree witth beulah and olufunke
i agree witth beulah and olufunke
@ people are not born evil, just with the tendencies to become evil, because of sin which comes easier to us.
@Tobenna, i agree with you. You become what you see form birth, where you live, people we communicate with.
@Tobenna, i agree with you. You become what you see form birth, where you live, people we communicate with.
When we are born, the brain is like a highly functioning computer (nature). Once data (nurture) is inputed, it is processed through the operating systems. However, sometimes, there is a virus either in the way the program was written (mental illness) or in the data inputed (the environment, learned evil, hitler's context). Temite's take. And we are simply OUR BRAINS!
I was going to say no...after reading your post...but then I read Beulah's comment and I thought of the part of the Bible that says "the heart of man is evil and desperately wicked"...but then I remembered the part where Jesus said "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven"...So I'm prone to say we are NOT born evil but then we are born INTO evil...
Well, i really don't believe people are born evil. Human beings are a product of their environment most of the time.
Of course there's still the odd saddistic serial killer, but i still believe nurturing has a big part to play in the end result!
Of course there's still the odd saddistic serial killer, but i still believe nurturing has a big part to play in the end result!
Hmmm, We were originally created good but after the fall, things went down hill from there but, BUT, everyone has an equal opportunity to become inherently good, regardless of the environment, nurture etc.
That's what I think!
That's what I think!
I copy Temite.
A lot of ingraining happens to the human brain once someone finds himself/herself in a society.
We were born blank. Tabula rasa!
A lot of ingraining happens to the human brain once someone finds himself/herself in a society.
We were born blank. Tabula rasa!
hapy new year!!!
heres a lil' blabbing
my take is we're all born with the same traits....i'll use spices here
we're all given same spices, but the way we cook the meal, the way we measure and mix the spices determines how well,or simply extraordinary or just horrible the food comes out....
thus we make ourselves who we are...evil or good.
heres a lil' blabbing
my take is we're all born with the same traits....i'll use spices here
we're all given same spices, but the way we cook the meal, the way we measure and mix the spices determines how well,or simply extraordinary or just horrible the food comes out....
thus we make ourselves who we are...evil or good.
Good doesn't necessarily translate to being saved.That aside, i think its a clean slate from the on start but we are influenced to become either good or evil as time unfolds.
@Sirius: People are born with an inherent tendency to want to do evil (sin)..however,..your environment, things you hear, things you see, what you are exposed to plays a vital role in steering you towards either gratifying your in inborn (evil) instincts or acting otherwise...
Tobe, where's the link to the pictures now???...Pls share it oh!
Tobe, where's the link to the pictures now???...Pls share it oh!
I also hold the belief that people are not born evil. Circumstances and individual temperaments play a big role.
As usual am late so i didnt get to see the pics:(
As usual am late so i didnt get to see the pics:(
I don't think Biblically we are born evil, but to be fair I havn't read that Genisis passage Beulah reffered to (first comment). I think we were born sinners and there's room to change that because isn't that the point of life? To try to get closer to God so sinning less? Highly simplified I know...
I'd have to agree with the post's explanation. I also think there are very few evil people in the world compared to otherwise, just like there are very few saints. Hopefully, for my sake, I'm right.
Take Care x
I'd have to agree with the post's explanation. I also think there are very few evil people in the world compared to otherwise, just like there are very few saints. Hopefully, for my sake, I'm right.
Take Care x
Hmmm...Yes, I think some people are born bad.....How else can u explain a child who looks you straight in the eyes then tosses whatever he is holding in ur face???
They are evil!!!
They are evil!!!
I tend to agree with Beulah and Olufunke strictly on the basis that when Adam and Eve fell, humanity fell with them and we all became 'sinners' not by what we did but by virtue of the fact that we were born human. And human nature, after the fall, became inherently evil. But we must also look at these concepts from two diferent perspectives:
1. From the point of view of how we behave and interact with other people. In this case, one can conclude that no one is born evil or good but we are all a product of our environment and interactions
2. From the biblical point of view, which I happen to believe in, that all men are sinners and we all need a rebirth of blood and Spirit for anyone to become 'good'as far as God is concerned.
So it is possible for one to be good in the eyes of men and still be evil in the sight of God [according to the bible] and I have also found out that some 'saved' people who should be good are not necessarily good and this is also as a result of their environment. Some will argue that if they are saved and not good, that means they are not really saved but the truth is salvation is only a start. The saved person, as the bible says, must work out their salvation, with fear and trembling.
This is my take.
1. From the point of view of how we behave and interact with other people. In this case, one can conclude that no one is born evil or good but we are all a product of our environment and interactions
2. From the biblical point of view, which I happen to believe in, that all men are sinners and we all need a rebirth of blood and Spirit for anyone to become 'good'as far as God is concerned.
So it is possible for one to be good in the eyes of men and still be evil in the sight of God [according to the bible] and I have also found out that some 'saved' people who should be good are not necessarily good and this is also as a result of their environment. Some will argue that if they are saved and not good, that means they are not really saved but the truth is salvation is only a start. The saved person, as the bible says, must work out their salvation, with fear and trembling.
This is my take.
evil exists in the hearts of all men. Its a matter of whether we chose to act upon it or can shun it due to an understanding that the alternative is a better way to go.
Are people born evil? Everyone is born with the capacity, if you ask me.
Hope all is well.
Are people born evil? Everyone is born with the capacity, if you ask me.
Hope all is well.
Yes..No...there's no maybe
I dont think anyone is born evil. We grow into evil and acquire our evil traits from our environment, either by omission or commision. Nevertheless, we become evil by choice
@Beulah,i thought the bible said we were born sinners, and not evil. You can sin without being evil-David sinned, that didnt make him an evil man
I dont think anyone is born evil. We grow into evil and acquire our evil traits from our environment, either by omission or commision. Nevertheless, we become evil by choice
@Beulah,i thought the bible said we were born sinners, and not evil. You can sin without being evil-David sinned, that didnt make him an evil man
evil is gotten by nurture i think not nature.
Lol...man is innately evil ("desperately wicked" as the bible put it). We have to learn that we can overcome evil and walk in goodness.
A friend and I discussed this same question for hours and hours once...when it comes down to it, I believe that man is born evil. For instance, a child is born selfish...all he/she thinks about is himself/herself the minute he/she is born. Certain things we learn based on environment, but when it comes down to it, if you locked up a child in a room and allowed him to grow up there with no influence whatsoever, he/she would probably still know how to lie, etc...
My 2 cents sha....
My 2 cents sha....
Shirak, welcome back from the wedding vac. Glad to have you blogging...
Your post is so nicely written, got me interested to the last word especially the unfolding of hitler. For a moment i thot that was going to be you...lol
I almost agreed on the blank slate till i read Beulah's comment and remembered the truth.
Man is desperately wicked by nature and needs Jesus for redemption
Your post is so nicely written, got me interested to the last word especially the unfolding of hitler. For a moment i thot that was going to be you...lol
I almost agreed on the blank slate till i read Beulah's comment and remembered the truth.
Man is desperately wicked by nature and needs Jesus for redemption
As a child though, there's special grace from God, thats why he says we should all be like little children...
You have been tagged on the 2 truths, 1 lie meme
well,i don't believe people are born evil.i think it's kind of a choice.lol
I share the same opinion as u.
Meanwhile, its not fair that I didn't get to see the pics.
Meanwhile, its not fair that I didn't get to see the pics.
aw, come on dude! I've become a huge fan of your blog and it sucks that i seem to miss important stuff that take place, now the pics from your wedding and even the link to your wedding website. Sucks! Anyhoo, congratulations on your marriage. As to be expected, you've posted an insightful and thought provoking blog, something I consiously haven't given thought to but is now churning in my mind. God bless. and next time you're doing something, send out a mass email or sky write or send up a blimp or something so we, sorry, I don't miss it. Peace.
In relation to what YN said - Where are the pics and website? I've been looking for them and can't find them :(
Direct answer to ur question. YES, man (people) are naturally born evil (Reference Gen. 3 - the fall of man)