How did or do evil people overcome evil so they could invent or follow religion?

Question

If we start from the basis that humans are born into "sin," (wicked, evil) how did or do they manage to overcome that sinful nature?

If you claim "believing in Jesus (Bible, etc.)" or anything similar, why would an evil person even consider such a thing?

Or, is the claim that humans are born into "sin" faulty?

Why would an "evil" person seek God or anything "good"?

Why would an "evil" person invent, claim or follow a doctrine that promoted "good," or "grace"?

The answers so far seem to ignore the claim the bible claims all humans are evil and wicked. Why would evil and wicked people ever consider anything worthwhile other than evil & wickedness?

Why would an evil person seek God or Jesus? That makes no sense.

The bible specifically states no one is born good. According to the bible, humans are all born "evil." (not good)

I choose "best answer" based on quality of answer. I disagree philosophically with many of the people to whom I've given "best answer."

At least I care enough to read and rate the answers. Unlike some who post questions on Y!A.

To Carol:

You demonstrate the point. You claim sinful people seek God, but you don't explain how they overcame the evil.

Was it magic?

To Krystle:

I regularly re-read all the answers before choosing "best answer." Sometimes, my first answer isn't what I really mean, so I will change it.

Everyone is encouraged to edit their answers as many times as necessary to ensure it says what they mean for it to say.

I do read the answers and will choose "best answer" based on quality, not agreement.

Quality = answer the question in as few words as possible without too many personal attacks on me.

Answer 1

People aren't evil. In the first place, what's evil and wrong are all based on perception anyhow. So people have the choice to decide if they want to follow a religion. There's nothing to overcome. What may be acceptable actions for one person could be considered evil by another. The act of killing someone is wrong, but it's perfectly acceptable to punish the person by killing them? That's hypocrisy, and depending on who you ask, could be considered evil.

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The Bible says a lot of things that aren't true. I don't see this as any different. The thing about evil though is that without it, you would never be able to recognize the good.

I personally don't believe that people are born into sin and evil. If we're here to flourish and live our lives, why would being born in the first place be considered a sin? I understand the concept of "original sin," but it's not something I believe. People aren't hindered from seeking religion because they're not evil, as much as the Bible likes to tell them.

Or hmm...maybe the flip side is that religion in itself is evil. ::click:: Which is why people have no problem seeking it out...

I'm glad I came back and thought about this some more.

Answer 2

If you're such a hell-bent Atheist, why do you really even care? But I'll give it a shot.
The human race inherited the sin factor from Adam & Eve. Call it evil or sin or whatever you want to. It's taught in the Bible, but you don't believe the Bible, so alot of good that does.

The sinful nature is not "overcome". Billy Graham, me, you, anyone still has a sinful nature and always will until they reach Heaven. They'll still have it in Hell. But you don't believe that.

When a person becomes a "true" Christian, the Bible teaches they become a new creature in Christ. They change. They just do. They repent and quit doing things Christ teaches them is sin and not to do. They don't become perfect. Even Christians sin and/or have a hard time giving up particular sins some times. It's a process and God does change people-- hearts, minds.
When Christians mess up, which they do, they ask forgiveness, God forgives them, and they work on it again. Some Christians live a pure life easily, other Christians struggle to behave. It's a process.

Why would an "evil" person seek God or anything "good"? Who could answer that for every "evil" person that has turned to God?
Alot of "evil" people have tho. Go figure.

Answer 3

Being born into sin is an offence, crime or transgression.
Evil is wickedness that comes from sin.
You assume a person is born evil and wicked. That's a big assumption, but you are firm Atheist.
In answer to your question, if an evil person turned to Jesus they are at least trying to become a better person, or in at least seeking repentance for their lives.
Your last statement is purely opinionated.
Based on your former questions your "best answer" is what you already have answered for yourself and are looking for acceptance.

God Bless and good luck.

Answer 4

The same book which said humans are born in sin also says they can purify themselves by doing so and so. Following religion. I think we are talking christianity here. A child born in a christian family traditionally follow the same family faith . so even if he was born evil he has a way of overcoming the sinful nature by default.
and then there are others who come to christianity from other religions ( or from non believing christians itself ) . there are times when one is in a tight spot emotionally. then religion might look to those people attractive. Ofcourse the 'genuine' ( already purified ) christians could think these new comers got in to the jam because of their sinful ways. so more publicity comes out saying 'sinners' being purifed.
so an 'Evil ' person follow religion mainly for his own benefit. most of the time it is for emotional consolation . some time for material benefits as well.

Answer 5

what religion are you man? your questions are very strange. well since God loves us and he does not want us to perish , he first gave us lamb to sacrific for the forgiving of sin and then Jesus. the reason for this is that he wants us to enjoy eternal live in heaven with him cos that is his initial plan. and in the olden day
(BC) there was no religion except idol worships and God worship but they did not call it religion until the death of Jesus and by that time Jesus as died for our sins and therefore we are no more evil people or creature (right word). so the church is based on good people and dat is Peter(the rock) well if you finish reading this sorry about my earlier comment but your questions are alway like this.

Answer 6

Sanctifying Grace


Grace (gratia, Charis), in general, is a supernatural gift of God to intellectual creatures (men, angels) for their eternal salvation, whether the latter be furthered and attained through salutary acts or a state of holiness. Eternal salvation itself consists in heavenly bliss resulting from the intuitive knowledge of the Triune God, who to the one not endowed with grace "inhabiteth light inaccessible" (1 Timothy 6:16). Christian grace is a fundamental idea of the Christian religion, the pillar on which, by a special ordination of God, the majestic edifice of Christianity rests in its entirety. Among the three fundamental ideas -- sin, redemption, and grace -- grace plays the part of the means, indispensable and Divinely ordained, to effect the redemption from sin through Christ and to lead men to their eternal destiny in heaven.

Answer 7

Man was created without sin. He chose to sin, so all are now born into the sin nature. We tend to overcome our sinful nature by following Jesus, but never quite make it. That is where repentance and forgiveness comes in. Jesus died for us so we could "live".

Answer 8

I have read many of your posts. You tell people that there is no hell, and things like that, and you are telling lies. We are all born into sin. That is a fact. We are all sinners, and that is another fact. In order to overcome that sinful nature, you must be born again and accept Jesus as your savior, and repent of your sins.
Since we all are sinners, you must repent of your sins daily,and have a daily conversation with Jesus and build you relationship with Him every day.That my friend, is how you over come a sinful nature.

1 John 2:14 I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong, and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.

You stay in the word of God evey day, and he will lead you away from things that tempt you to sin. You do things in life every day, and do not know that a good part of them is a sin.

Did you know that if we dont' follow the word of God, it is a sin. Many people claim to be Chrisitans, but do not follow the word of God. God says this to them..

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate

They think that they can have their cake and eat it too, by going out and get drunk, have out of marriage sex, or homosexual relationships, and repent for all of it and think that it's ok with God. Well it's not. That is when God turns their minds over to a reprobate mind, and He no longer hears them.

Any time you speak against the word of God you blastpheme God.

Mark 3:29 But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation.

Answer 9

Huh? You don't have to overcome evil to invent or follow religion. Your premise is simply mistaken. Evil is very much a part of religion.

Answer 10

Nobody is ever born a sinner, rather, there is this great law that holds everybody responsible to whatever he/she does. This includes the animals too. animals suffer too. The law is the law of cause & effect. We reap whatever we sow.