If man is born with a sin nature ....

[ThePainefulTruth]

If man is born with a sin nature, then why do we need the devil? If we are born with a sin nature, that is saying that it is in our nature to lie, cheat, steal, kill, rape, etc. So, if it is on our nature to commit sins; why do you blame the devil for temptatation? Why is the devil even needed in this mythology? To say that we have a sin nature and yet we are tempted of the devil, makes me think that those who believe don't really know who or what to blame for sin; and if that's the plan of the omnipotent father, it seems like a double negative to me.

We are born innocent, like the animals. As we develop our full self-awareness, we realize that others are like us and that we understand what it means to do harm, or violate the life or liberty of another. No there is no devil, only the ability to choose to surrender to temptation. And if there is a God, It only watches us as we make our choices.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

And if there is a God, It only watches us as we make our choices.

I think God would get bored with human soap opera pretty quickly.

 

[ThePainefulTruth]

I think God would get bored with human soap opera pretty quickly.

I think just the opposite, since I'd characterize at least some of us as being dramatic and humorous (as opposed to melodramatic), and created the universe to spawn creatures like us to KEEP from getting bored up there all by Itself. We are an infinite or endless variety of responses. We may be on a stage, but the pain and joy are real.

 

[Rick O'Shez]

I think just the opposite, since I'd characterize at least some of us as being dramatic and humorous (as opposed to melodramatic), and created the universe to spawn creatures like us to KEEP from getting bored up there all by Itself. We are an infinite or endless variety of responses.

Yes, we could be the entertainment for a bored God I suppose. And there would lots of space aliens to watch too.

 

[Deidre]

I think people at a more mature spiritual level people see it as man having potential for both good and evil and that the real battle is in their own minds. To call it 'born with a sin nature' is demeaning to man.

This.

The whole 'born with a sin nature' fallacy is designed to make us feel like we need a savior. To save us from a god who made us this way to begin with?

 

[George-ananda]

This.

The whole 'born with a sin nature' fallacy is designed to make us feel like we need a savior. To save us from a god who made us this way to begin with?

Also atheists love to bring up these type of things ('born with a sin nature') as a put-down of believers. I like believers that can set aside dogma that has seen its time and still find the reality of a living God.

 

[Deidre]

Also atheists love to bring up these type of things ('born with a sin nature') as a put-down of believers. I like believers that can set aside dogma that has seen its time and still find the reality of a living God.

It's not a put down to reject someone's dogma.

 

[George-ananda]

It's not a put down to reject someone's dogma.

I agree with the above. But I think you misunderstood me. I was saying that modern thinking Christians can move past dogma out of touch with modern thought and find a valuable spiritual path still in Christianity. I was saying atheists often seem to want to permanently marry Christianity to some unfortunate dogmas to make Christianity look archaic and dumb.

 

[Deidre]

I agree with the above. But I think you misunderstood me. I was saying that modern thinking Christians can move past dogma out of touch with modern thought and find a valuable spiritual path still in Christianity. I was saying atheists often seem to want to permanently marry Christianity to some unfortunate dogmas to make Christianity look archaic and dumb.

Ohhh, my apologies. I understand now. And i happen to agree, although...I'd say that mainstream Christianity still holds tight to a lot of dogma.
You explained this well, thank you!

 

[George-ananda]

I'd say that mainstream Christianity still holds tight to a lot of dogma.

But less so than in past centuries for sure. It is an evolution.

 

[roger1440]

Isn't "the devil" intended to be a personification of sin and evil?

Some people think he is very real

 

[psychoslice]

But less so than in past centuries for sure. It is an evolution.

Yes, and lets hope this evolution speeds up.

 

[Unification]

If man is born with a sin nature, then why do we need the devil? If we are born with a sin nature, that is saying that it is in our nature to lie, cheat, steal, kill, rape, etc. So, if it is on our nature to commit sins; why do you blame the devil for temptatation? Why is the devil even needed in this mythology? To say that we have a sin nature and yet we are tempted of the devil, makes me think that those who believe don't really know who or what to blame for sin; and if that's the plan of the omnipotent father, it seems like a double negative to me.

It's all in the head. The devil is the reptilian brain in all humans that needs defeated. The animal mind.

 

[Deidre]

ugh rogerrrr!!! That's so scary! >_<
lol

 

[NewGuyOnTheBlock]

>> OFF TOPIC <<

"The Exorcist" was the very first horror movie I ever watched. I watched it at about 11, 12 or 13. It was not the best "first time" horror movie. Had nightmares for weeks.

 

[psychoslice]

Yea great movie.

 

[ThePainefulTruth]

This.

The whole 'born with a sin nature' fallacy is designed to make us feel like we need a savior. To save us from a god who made us this way to begin with?

And it's a built in excuse for doing something you can just go to confession for, or for buying indulgences. Flip Wilson capitalized on the principle with his "The DEVIL made me buy that dress!" routine.

 

[Ashraf]

No person was ever born a sinner. We only sin after we reach maturity and become responsible for our actions

 

[roger1440]

ugh rogerrrr!!! That's so scary! >_<
lol

What makes the movie "The Exorcist" so scary? If the character Linda Blair portrayed in the movie was possessed by a smurf more than likely the movie wouldn’t have had such great appeal.

 

[Deidre]

What makes the movie "The Exorcist" so scary? If the character Linda Blair portrayed in the movie was possessed by a smurf more than likely the movie wouldn’t have had such great appeal.

lmao!!!
it is how she looked...eek.