11) On the Problem of a Basically Good Man

This philosophical idea of a basically good man was addressed in my ninth note as a misconception. It was suggested that I elaborate on that problem. The biggest part of the idea is the reason why basically good man is a problem. This idea is a problem for mostly theological reasons, but also shows itself within practical reasoning, also. Biblically speaking, man is not good because of original sin. Adam ate of the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. In doing so, he violated God's law. “In fact, sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, NIV). This statement means that by breaking any law, especially that of God, we sin. Everyone has violated some law of God, thereby sinning (Jesus even discusses sin in thinking). Another theological conflict arises in the sacrifice of Christ. If man were good, why would God need to send a perfect man (Christ) to die so that heaven (which nothing imperfect can enter, see Rev. 21:27) may be accessible to all? The result of looking at the problem in this way is either 1) Man is good and can enter heaven of his own accord or 2) Man is basically evil and needs the redemption in the blood of Christ to enter heaven or 3) There is no ultimate good, evil, or God, thereby eliminating the need to pass judgment on man. All three have some merit and a following, but the best support for my argument against the first conclusion is man's actual behavior. Man acts against the social morality, therefore sinning and becoming evil. This idea could be further exemplified, but I believe that the reader can search for more himself, if he is so inclined.