Nature of Man

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 695.

The Confucian philosophy is built on the foundational belief that man is basically good. The Analects state, "The Master said, 'Is goodness indeed so far away? If we really wanted goodness, we should find that it was at our side.'" (Analects 7:29) Confucian disciple Mencius further develops this, stating, "Man's nature is naturally good just as water naturally flows downward." (Chan 52) This innate goodness could be developed and actualized through education, self-reflection, and discipline. Study in the six arts, which include ceremony, music, archery, charioteering, writing, and mathematics would develop one's character.

However, despite man's natural goodness, Confucius faced reality honestly. He questioned if it was possible to ever truly attain the level of the true gentleman. Confucius stated, "I for my part have never yet seen one who really cared for goodness, nor one who really abhorred wickedness." (Analects 4:6) He said of himself, "As to being a divine sage or even a good man, far be it from me to make any such claim" (Analects 7:33). "The Master said, 'The Ways of the true gentleman are three. I myself have met with success in none of them.'" (Analects 14:30) However, if man by nature is good, why can we not attain what should be natural to us?

The Bible has built on a contrasting view of man. It teaches that man is created in the image of God, and that man was originally good. However, because of the fall in Genesis 3, man is now sinful and in rebellion against God. Therefore, his natural tendency is to disobey the commandments of God, and he is driven to please himself. Paul states in Romans 7:18, "I have the desire to do good, but I cannot carry it out."

Of the two views, Confucius and the Bible, which one represents the true reality of human nature? Do we naturally think of pure and holy thoughts, or if left to wander, do our minds naturally lust in the flesh and crave material riches? Which comes naturally to us, the tendency to dwell on noble things or selfish things? What has personal experience and history shown?

According to the Bible, good education is a positive step toward helping man change, but it stops short. Man is in need of a heart transformation. Life transformation occurs when a person enters into a personal relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. One's nature is transformed because God's Spirit indwells an individual. Although the Christian is not capable of living out the principles of God's law flawlessly, he is not left to himself to live a holy life. God provides man with the indwelling of His Holy Spirit to enable man to live in obedience to His law.