Is Human Nature Basically Good, Bad Or Neutral?

[Nihil Obstat]

[quote name='Servus_Mariae' date='10 September 2009 - 06:46 PM' timestamp='1252626367' post='1964613']
All of creation acts in pursuit of the good, therefore all bear an essentially good nature.

However, due to the distortion of sin which has effected our will, we may desire to do sinful things. Not becuase they are bad but because of a good which resides in the action. No one kills to take life for the sake of taking a life. That's why even in the most cruel murders an investigation pursues motive (some good must have been attained is the premise for this). Even if the motive is so calloused as to simply find enjoyment in such a horrible thing...the pursuit then is pleasure which is a good...yet the action to obtain it is evil. The pursuit of good is inherent in every action...but may be distorted.
[/quote]
I like you! Will you stay??

[Mark of the Cross]

[quote name='USAirwaysIHS' date='11 September 2009 - 03:32 PM' timestamp='1252643532' post='1964774']
This is an objective disorder, and does not reflect upon the nature of Man.
[/quote]
And is not sin an objective disorder? You argued that man is by nature good, then sin like mental illness is a corruption of this state!

[Apotheoun]

Sin is not natural; instead, it is unnatural. It is a personal disease of sorts, and that is why the Church Fathers often described Christ as the [i]Great Physician[/i].


"There is only one Physician, both carnal and spiritual, born and unborn, God become man, true life in death; sprung both from Mary and from God, first subject to suffering and then incapable of it – Jesus Christ our Lord."

+ St. Ignatios of Antioch

Edited September 11, 2009 by Apotheoun

[Servus_Mariae]

[quote name='Mark of the Cross' date='11 September 2009 - 12:30 AM' timestamp='1252643446' post='1964772']
There is an exception. There are mentally ill people who hurt themselves and others because they want to feel pain not pleasure. They do this driven by depression which in some cases drives the suffer to feed it rather than to overcome it.
[/quote]

Actually I disagree. Those who suffer depression (and I know many who do) and other mental disorders still seek what is good. They find a sense of fulfillment...but in a disordered and ultimately harmful way. That's why they are considered disordered.


[quote name='Nihil Obstat' date='11 September 2009 - 12:36 AM' timestamp='1252643802' post='1964779']
I like you! Will you stay??
[/quote]

Well God love you! Certainly I will!