Augustine's Nightmare

Human nature cannot be this simple to illustrate

Introduction

Take a look at this illustration.

This is your basic Augustinian framework on the nature of each complex human being. It is also the view of your average Christian pastor if they defend Christian orthodoxy.

Three Dots

Three dots. That is how Christian orthodoxy defines your existence.

The first dot represents the view that you are born sinful and corrupt from birth. You don’t need a DNA test. It’s in your genes because you are a child of Adam.

The second dot is your path if you are saved—loosely defined as “giving your life to Jesus who forgives your sins.” This removes the stain of original sin, but places you in an endless conflict with yourself.

Now you take on a Romans 7 existence, where “You want to do good but can’t. You don’t want to do bad, but you do.” It’s the endless battle between your sinful and redeemed nature, the former still remaining even after salvation.

The third dot is nightmarish.

Again, according to Christian orthodoxy, if you do not accept the gift of salvation, you will remain in a morally corrupted state for your entire life. Finally, if you never hear the gospel or you reject it, you will suffer eternal conscious torment in a lake of burning fire.

Your Are Infinitely Complex

Human nature cannot be this simple to illustrate.

As a former Bible professor of twenty years, I am sorry to say I upheld and taught these beliefs to my students.

They are inhumane. They are not true.

You are an infinitely complex human being, with one brilliant nature that displays itself in endlessly good and bad tendencies.

You are the [great] one.

You are the [amazing] one.

And it’s an honor to meet you.

Thanks for reading.