the nature of man

This article will look at three views of the nature of man held by the early Christian church and how those views developed into what we accept today in the modern church. The three views are:
1. Augustinian - man is spiritually dead;
2. Pelagianism - man is spiritually well at birth and chooses his own destiny; and
3. semi-Pelagianism - man is spiritually sick and only needs the help of a higher power to assist him in his recovery.
The heart of the debate between Augustine and Pelagius centered on the doctrine of original sin, particularly with respect to the question of the extent to which the will of fallen man is "free." The controversy began when the British monk, Pelagius, opposed at Rome Augustine's famous prayer: "Grant what Thou commandest, and command what Thou dost desire." Pelagius recoiled in horror at the idea that a divine gift (grace) is necessary to perform what God commands. For Pelagius and his followers responsibility always implies ability. If man has the moral responsibility to obey the law of God, he must also have the moral ability to do it.
Classical Views of Man

Classical views about man can be gleaned form the writings of philosophers and theologians of the early times. During that period, the prevailing conception of man ws that he is the central figure in the natural order , not because of his qualities but because of God’s concern for him .
Rationalistic or Intellectualistic View of man by Early Philosophers notably Plato and Aristotle.

Man is animal who knows , feels , acts and make new things .
Modern Views of Man

The modern conception of man is that of being who has achieved and enjoys his present position of power and authority , not because the Divine Being endowed or allowed such a position to him but because it is made possible by his natural capacities. He is a being whose distinctive mark is his capacity to make free choices. According to Rousseau , it is this man’s capacity of choosing that determines the kind of person he will become.

Man ; A Relational Being

Man is a relational being in that he is related not only to other human beings but also to other living things , to nonliving ones , events and to a Supreme Being .

As a living being , man has to be concerned about his food , health and shelter so as to grow and continue living .

As a social being , man’s ;life is intimately interwoven with that of his fellowmen . Man is also related to the past and to history. Finally , man is related to a Transcendent Supreme Being whom some world religions , particularly Christianity and Judaism , call a “ personal creator God “.


Views on The Nature of Man

1. Man’s nature is essentially evil .
2. Man’s nature is good.
3. Man’s nature is neutral .

Questions ;
1. What is the importance of the study of the nature of man ?
2. Which of the views about man’s nature is true ?Support your choice.
3. Why is man regarded as a relational being ?
4. Is man born good or evil ? Support your position.
5. Whatever the nature of man is , can it be changed ? Explain your answer .