Selfishness, Greed, Ignorance and Sin (paper 1 - 1.3) Flashcards
(28 cards)
What are some Christian views on sin
- humans are good (made in gods image) but because of free will we choose to sin
- first sin was Adam and Eve and this is why we have original sin
- fundamentalist Christian — all things said to be sinful in the bible should be avoided
- Liberal — bible needs to be interpreted
- most Christians would accept the rules in the Ten Commandments and the sermon on the mount and breaking it is sinful
- “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of god” (Romans 3:23)
What are some non - Christian views on sin (include humanists + Freud as well)
Wrong doing
- Hobbes said humans are naturally selfish, society makes laws to combat this and be successful
- theory of evolution has is based on survival of the fittest, those that compete effectively for the available resources will be more successful + pass on genetics
- may be argued that people are naturally predisposed toward selfish behaviour (sin)
- humanists don’t believe that humans are naturally good, believe that we have a tendency to do bad things but can still develop a sense of right from wrong
- Freud would say that the id of our human nature tempts us to be sinful, argues that the ego controls this part of the self
Christian views on selfishness
- Christianity teaches that selfishness is wrong because people should have an active concern for others. The so called ‘Golden Rule’ (love your neighbour as yourself) makes this point very clearly. Christians should show concern for others.
- Parable of theGood Samaritan teaches Christians that those who help others unselfishly, no matter who they are, will have eternal life.
- The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats teaches Christians that those who do unselfish things, such as giving food and clothes to the needy and looking after the sick, will go to Heaven.
- Christians look up to Jesus who showed agape love (unconditional love) to sacrifice himself so that humans who repent of their sins and believe in Him can go to Heaven.
- Due to original sin we are more likely to be selfish because through sin we turn away from God and showing love of others.
Christian views on greed
- For Roman Catholics, greed is listed among theseven deadly sinsbecause greed involves worshiping money and possessions rather than God.
- 1 Timothy 6:10: ‘the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil’. Money is not itself bad, but loving money is.
- The Bible warns against making money your master for’No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money’(Matthew 6:24).
- Rather than using more than your fair share of the Earth’s resources and using them greedily, Christianity teaches that we should be stewards of the Earth and ensure that the Earth’s resources are used equally amongst all.
- Jesus showed an active concern for the poor and was critical of the rich. On one occasion a rich young ruler came to Jesus and asked what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus told him that he should keep the law. The man replied that he already did that. Jesus then told him to’Sell all you have and give it to the poor’. The young man was unable to do that and went away sad. Jesus then said’it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God’although he goes on to say that with God anything is possible (story in Matthew 19:16-26).
- The early Christians shared all their goods and money: No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everythingthey had (Acts 4:32).
- For a Christian the greatest is to love God, therefore if someone loves money more than God this is a sin. A person should use their wealth to do good things and it should not come above loves of God.
Non- Christian views on greed
Greed is good
- More likely to be successful in a career because money motivates people to work hard.
- Money can help to have a good quality of life including nice house/holidays.
- It can also help you to do unselfish things such as sending children to good schools, giving them other opportunities. You can also give more money to charity with lots of money.
Greed is bad
- It can lead to injustice, e.g. exploiting others to make money which is what many banks were doing before the financial crisis (including selling mortgages to people who couldn’t afford them).
- It can lead to unhappiness because you stop appreciating the important things in life e.g. friends and family.
- It can have long term negative effects, e.g. spending more money than you have/gambling can lead to debt.
It can have a negative effect on your character meaning that you lose friends because you are obsessed with money.
Christian views on ignorance
- Ignorance is not knowing or understanding the difference between right and wrong or what makes an action wrong.
- A person might be morally ignorant because they have never been taught right from wrong or because they lack the capacity to understand the difference between right and wrong.
- According to Christianity, everyone has the capacity to tell right from wrong. - Aquinas explained that when a person chooses to do something wrong (to sin), their reason has misinterpreted evil for good. He says that this leads people to pursue ‘apparent goods’, like money, rather than ‘real goods’ like holiness.
- Although Christianity teaches that it is our responsibility to know right from wrong, Christianity also teaches that God is forgiving to those who repent and say sorry for their sins: Jesus did say’father forgive them for they know not what they do’(Luke 23:34).
- Aquinas believed that God created all human beings with a nature to ‘do good and avoid evil’. He also emphasized the fact that humans have been given reason by God to understand right from wrong. This means that all people have a responsibility to use their reason to know what the right thing is to do. Ignorance is no excuse
What are the problems with relying on reason to know right from wrong - Christian views on ignorance
- Can be distorted by sin.
- Can justify evil actions e.g. Hitler.
- Can be subjective (people disagree what is right from wrong).
- Children, dementia sufferers and some people with sever learning difficulties have limited ability to reason.
- They should also seek help from God to do this. How?
Through prayer, using the Bible and going to Church. - Christianity teaches that it is the responsibility of society to educate the young. St Thomas Aquinas in his teachings on natural law said that this was a rule we should live by simply because we are human.
- Christians also believe that it is the responsibility of parents to educate their children about Christianity
Non-Christian views on ignorance
- Most people and societies value education and believe that children and adults should be educated on the laws of the country and how to be a responsible citizen.
This includes educating people on what is right from wrong, including how to treat others and how to treat the planet. - Education is important for future employment.
- To learn new information/skills and develop the brain.
- Helps you to experience new things and develop an opinion on important matters.
- Creates leaders of the future.
- Provides opportunities and widens choices.
- Teaches important social skills.
Q - “you should not be blamed for doing something wrong if you did not know it was wrong”
Agree:
Humans are born with original sin so it is in our nature- Christianity teaches forgiveness: ‘father forgive them for they know not what they do‘
The person might genuinely think they are right (Aquinas: ‘apparent good’), e.g. a terrorist might think that is God’s wish to be a suicide bomber.
It is the responsibility of adults to teach children right from wrong (when this doesn’t happen they shouldn’t be blamed for doing bad things).
Disagree:
Aquinas said it is in our nature to ‘do good and avoid evil’ so ignorance is no excuse.
God gave man reason to decide right from wrong (can also use conscience, Bible, prayer, Church).
Most societies value education and promoting a sense of right from wrong, so this is embedded in most people.
Christian views on sin
- A sin is anything that goes against God’s law.
Christians believe that humans are made good as they are made in God’s image. - Because of freewill, however, we choose to sin. The first sin was committed by Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden.
- Christians believe that all human beings are therefore born with this ‘original sin’ which can only be cleansed by baptism.
- Fundamentalist Christians often believe that all things said to be sinful in the Bible are to be avoided. Why?
They take the Bible literally.
How do you think more liberal Christians differ in their view - More liberal Christians believe that the Bible needs to be interpreted, as many parts were influenced by the culture at the time.
- Most Christians would accept the rules in the 10 Commandments and the Sermon on the Mount and that breaking these is sinful.
- “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23).
- Other relevant teachings: Augustine (divided soul) and Aquinas (real and apparent goods).
Non-Christian views on sin
- ‘Sin’ is a religious term, however, non-religious people also have views on wrongdoing. A non-religious word for ‘sin’ might be a ‘vice’ that is the opposite to a ‘virtue’ (a positive character trait).
- Look back at your notes on human nature and selfishness and greed. How can the following thinkers/ideas be linked to non-Christian views on sin?
- Thomas Hobbes
- Evolution
- Humanism
- Freud
- Hobbes said that humans are naturally selfish, therefore humans are naturally sinful. Society makes laws in order to combat this and be successful.
- The theory of evolution is based on the idea of survival of the fittest. Those that compete most effectively for the available resources will be more successful and pass on their genes. We might argue that people are naturally predisposed toward selfish behaviour, that Christians would regard as sinful.
- Humanists don’t believe that humans are naturally good. - They believe we have a tendency to do bad things (sin), but we can still develop a sense of right from wrong.
- Freud would say that the ‘id’ of our human nature tempts us to be sinful, e.g. be greedy, lustful etc. He argues that the Ego, controls this part of the self.
Q - Hatred, injustice, violence and war are NOT inevitable
Christian views:
- We have a responsibility not to accept these things because Jesus taught us to ‘love thy neighbour’. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that all people are our neighbours.
- Jesus taught to ‘turn the other cheek’, which means that we should be peaceful. The Lord’s prayer teaches forgiveness: ‘we forgive those that trespass against us.’
- ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9). Jesus is often referred to as the Prince of Peace.
- Christians believe that human nature is fundamentally good, because God made humans in his image. This means that these things can be avoided if we live the way God wants.
- These things are caused by sin, however, Aquinas taught that humans are made by God to ‘do good and avoid evil’ so these things are avoidable.
- ‘The Lord is a God of justice’ (Isaiah 30:18).
- Jesus teaches that God is just in his parable of the unjust judge.
- Jesus treated all people with love and compassion, e.g. healing those with leprosy.
Non- Christian views:
- Human beings all share a commonality because we are all rational beings that are able to suffer. We therefore have a responsibility to look after one another.
Society doesn’t function without rules that prevent injustice and violence.
- The UN declaration of human rights protects people from injustice and violence.
- There are rules that make a war just and limit when they can take place.
- The fair trade movement fights for fair wages and treatment for people who produce our products.
Q - why some people believe that violence and war are not inevitable features of a world inhabited by human beings
- ‘Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God’ (Matthew 5:9). Jesus is often referred to as the Prince of Peace.
- Jesus taught to ‘turn the other cheek’, which means that we should be peaceful. The Lord’s prayer teaches forgiveness: ‘we forgive those that trespass against us.’
- Christians believe that human nature is fundamentally good, because God made humans in his image. This means that these things can be avoided if we live the way God wants.
- There are rules that make a war just and limit when they can take place, e.g. if it is to protect civilians (self-defence), violence is proportionate to the cause.
- The UN declaration of human rights protects people from injustice and violence.
Q - why some people believe that hatred is not an inevitable feature of a world inhabited by human beings
- Human beings all share a commonality because we are all rational beings that are able to suffer. We therefore have a responsibility to look after one another.
- Jesus treated all people with love and compassion, e.g. healing those with leprosy.
- We have a responsibility not to accept these things because Jesus taught us to ‘love thy neighbour’. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that all people are our neighbours.
- Jesus taught to ‘turn the other cheek’, which means that we should be peaceful. The Lord’s prayer teaches forgiveness: ‘we forgive those that trespass against us.’
Q - why some people believe that injustice is not an inevitable features of a world inhabited by human beings
- ‘The Lord is a God of justice’ (Isaiah 30:18).
The UN declaration of human rights protects people from injustice and violence.
Jesus treated all people with love and compassion, e.g. healing those with leprosy. - We have a responsibility not to accept these things because Jesus taught us to ‘love thy neighbour’. The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches that all people are our neighbours.
- Jesus teaches that God is just in his parable of the unjust judge.
Q - Explain non-religious views about how greed, selfishness and ignorance are the root causes of human wrongdoing
- Greed can cause injustice because greedy companies pay their employees unjust wages because they want more profit.
- Selfishness can cause hatred because people stop empathising with others and are more concerned with themselves. Selfishness can also cause violence and war because governments want resources of other countries for themselves.
- Ignorance can cause hatred because people don’t understand the views of others, e.g people not understanding the religious views of Muslims and thinking all Muslims are terrorists.
- Ignorance can lead to injustice because people don’t know that it is happening, e.g. as soon as people realise that clothes brands rely on child labour they may stop buying it.
Q - “humans are naturally selfish”
Disagree:
- Some Christians may argue that people should follow the teaching of the Parable of the Good Samaritan- love others.
- Aquinas- ‘do good and avoid evil’.
- Made in God’s image (sacred creation)- ‘God saw that it was good’ (Genesis).
Agree:
- Evolution- survival of fittest- humans are naturally selfish.
- Hobbes said that humans are naturally selfish (society makes rules to help us to live together).
Q - “Money is the root of all evil”
Agree:
- Christians might argue that ‘No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money‘.
- ‘it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God’
Disagree:
- A Christian might argue that you can use money to good things like giving money to charity.
- It is not money itself that is the root of all evil, but the Bible says it is the ‘love of money that is the root of all evil’.
religious teachings about selfishness as the root cause of human wrongdoing
- A Christian might argue that selfishness can lead to hatred of others because people don’t live by Jesus’ teaching to love thy neighbour.
- Secondly, a Christian might argue that selfishness can lead to injustice because people don’t follow Jesus’ example of showing compassion to others, e.g. when he healed those with leprosy, because they are more concerned with themselves.
- Thirdly, a Christian might argue that selfishness can lead to violence and war because people don’t follow Jesus’ example as the ‘Prince of Peace’ because they selfishly want the resources of others for themselves.
religious teachings about ignorance as the root cause of human wrongdoing
- A Christian might argue that ignorance can lead to hatred of others because people don’t understand the views of others and don’t follow Jesus’ teaching to ‘love thy neighbour’.
- Secondly, a Christian might argue that ignorance can lead to injustice because people don’t know that people are being treated unjustly, otherwise they would follow Jesus’ example to show compassion to others.
- Thirdly, Aquinas might argue that people act on an ‘apparent good’, out of ignorance and pursue violence and war because they think it is the best way to keep their country safe
religious teachings about greed as the root cause of human wrongdoing
- A Christian might argue that greed can lead to hatred of others because people become jealous of what others’ have and don’t follow Jesus’ teaching to ‘love thy neighbour’.
- Secondly, a Christian might argue that greed can lead to injustice because companies who are greedy for profit treat their workers unjustly by not paying them enough. They are not following Jesus’ example to show compassion to others.
- Thirdly, a Christian might argue that greed can lead to violence and war because people don’t follow Jesus’ example as the ‘Prince of Peace’ because they greedily want the resources of others for themselves
teachings about human responsibility for injustice
- A Christian might argue that selfishness can lead to injustice because people don’t follow Jesus’ example of showing compassion to others, e.g. when he healed those with leprosy, because they are more concerned with themselves.
- Secondly, a Christian might argue that ignorance can lead to injustice because people don’t know that people are being treated unjustly, otherwise they would follow Jesus’ teaching to ‘love thy neighbour’.
- Thirdly, a Christian might argue that greed can lead to injustice because companies who are greedy for profit treat their workers unjustly by not paying them enough. They are worshipping money rather than worshipping God
teachings about human responsibility for hatred
- A Christian might argue that selfishness can lead to hatred of others because people don’t live by Jesus’ teaching to love thy neighbour.
- Secondly, a Christian might argue that ignorance can lead to hatred of others because people don’t understand the views of others and don’t follow Jesus’ example as the ‘Prince of Peace’.
- Thirdly, a Christian might argue that greed can lead to hatred of others because people become jealous of what others’ have and don’t follow the commandment ‘you shall not covet’
teachings about human responsibility for violence and war
- A Christian might argue that selfishness can lead to violence and war because people don’t follow Jesus’ example as the ‘Prince of Peace’ because they selfishly want the resources of others for themselves.
- Secondly, a Christian might argue that greed can lead to violence and war because people don’t follow the commandment ‘you shall not covet’. Instead, they greedily want the resources of others for themselves.
- Thirdly, Aquinas might argue that people act on an ‘apparent good’, out of ignorance and pursue violence and war because they think it is the best way to keep their country safe
