Subject:
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Re: Essential nature of mankind
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Tue, 3 Apr 2001 18:21:50 GMT
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Viewed:
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3582 times
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The question of whether man is inherently good or evil is a loaded question
becuase the concept of good and evil is purely subjective. For instance, one
culture may view cannibalism as evil, but for the cannibals it's just part
of their cultural identity. Likewise, I find American capitalism to be evil
(and I'm sure dozens of the small foreign countries WE exploit would agree)
but most Americans seem just fine with it. So, good and evil are usually
terms that require a contextual agreement.
I feel that people are a product of their genetics and environment and will
behave in whatever manner that will ensure their survival. I also feel that
humans, especially males, are aggressive and extremely territorial by nature
and that is why our species has flourished. The downside to this is that our
nature hasn't changed as fast as our capacity for violence against our own
kind. This comes back to protecting our physical turf, but has extended to
include striking down those who stand contrary our spiritual and economic turf.
We are a violent race, capable of great moments of peace and prosperity. We
are also all "food for worms" (to quote Benjamin Franklin).
Dan
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Essential nature of mankind
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| (...) make the moral choice not to commit evil? (...) us going to successfully fight our nature and become good?...what would be the point of creating a people who are inherently evil?" Here's what I believe, in light of the Bible. God did not (...) (24 years ago, 3-Apr-01, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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