“The perversity never ceases in us, but continually bears new fruit… the whole man is overwhelmed… from head to foot, so that no part is immune from sin and all that proceeds from him is to be imputed to sin.” – JOHN CALVIN
There are two types/ positions of anthropology in Christianity. There are those who hold up to a high anthropological view, and some of (us) who are cynical and pessimistic about the human condition; and traditionally that viewed as a low anthropological slant.
It’s not a smart idea to hold on to a low anthropological slant in a world so obsessed with success and self-help religion. The false gospel out there, is that man can reach his full potential, and moral uprightness simply by learning a new skill or technique.
Deep in the other room of my heart I wish this was possible but reality speaks otherwise. Just take a closer look at the drama of human history or do yourself a favour by sitting in front of your television, watch every breaking news. Sure this is not to say that there are no bright moments in history, but look at them with any honesty, secular or religious, and you will notice that even the very heroic/philanthropic or charitable acts, are still infested with corruption.
I believe or hold to a low anthropological view because my experience and the biblical revelation teach me that humanity has little capacity for good and an endless capacity for bad.
“All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” Isaiah 64:6
You May argue saying that is the Old Testament, well then let’s go into the New Testament.
“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God.
All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The poison of vipers is on their lips.”
“Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; ruin and misery mark their ways, and the way of peace they do not know.”
“There is no fear of God before their eyes. (Romans 3:10-18)
The key words in these passages are “all of us” and “no one.” No one is exempt from this description. I hope you will from now onwards no longer place your hope on man, yourself, institution or deed! On Christ Jesus is to be your redeemer and nothing else.
Soli Deo Gloria!
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