Are humans born evil and then turn good or is it the other way around?

Question

Given the whole original sin issue.

OK, so far, so good. I also feel the answer is neither.

So if people are neither good nor evil at birth, how do the religious people justify god's punishment for the sins of a distant "ancestor"?

Heavenbound: So there is a guarantee, hmmm.. is infant baptism then the equivalent of a registration card needed to activate that guarantee?

Answer 1

Neither. They are a blank slate, doing what they need to in order to survive and learn. Generally, though, I feel that most people are basically good. Watch what happens when there is a disaster of some kind. People drop what they are doing and rush to help without thinking about it. Even enemies.

I don't buy into the whole "original sin" nonsense. It's a marketing tool, convincing people that they are "sick" and then convienently providing a "cure" for it.

Answer 2

I think that they are born good and turn evil. Have you ever heard of a baby being born and wishing that the whole should go die. But on the other hand. What really is good and evil. I think that good and evil are just a point of view. So the more that I think about it the more I say, neither.

Answer 3

we are born into the bloodline of Adam, which is sinful. Later in life we can make the choice to be re-born into Jesus' bloodline. In between we are slaves to sin (Romans 7-8) Without making that change, we have no ticket to heaven

I personally believe in an age of accountability, but I have no Biblical backing for it. Only that God is Just, so I highly doubt He would condemn a small child for not yet making the choice.

Anyone who has a child knows that they're not born good. They're born innocent, but their natural tendencies are for trouble.

Answer 4

It would be kind of silly to believe we're all 'good' because then this earth would be heaven. Billions of people, all out for their own good and their own pleasure, being able to get along? Look at the news and you'll see sin proven. Any good in us comes from the original Designer. That perfect design was marred when we, as a race, chose our own way. Knowing this would happen, but wanting us to love Him of our own volition, God gave us a way out through His son Jesus.
With Christ living through us, we become better and better versions of ourselves; artists, doctors, athletes, professors, etc., and we glorify Him.
Satan's biggest ploy is to have us believe we're good; not in need of a 'doctor'; not infected with the 'cancer' of sin. If we believe we're good, we won't take steps toward the healing of salvation.

Answer 5

If you're a "Christian," it's necessary to believe that all human beings are born "evil" - hence the necessity of being redeemed by Jesus. Christians so-called who say things like "all babies are born innocent" simply don't understand their own religion.

The "original sin issue," incidentally, was invented by a certain sexual degenerate named Augustine to explain to himself and the world his own degeneracy. Read his "Confessions" if you want a laugh. These are the ideas upon which so much of Western culture has based its sexual morality - the morbid ravings of a neurotic freak.

Answer 6

People are born without anything except instincts. If someone has had no contact with humans ever, then you'll find that he/she acts like a Discovery Channel animal.

Technically, there's no good or evil where birth is concerned. It's all about surroundings.

Answer 7

well, My view is humans are born innocent.As humans become matured and acquired more knowledge, evil ways born. Initially good things born, later on evil ways appeared.

one example i would like to cite is,initially fire was discovered for the purpose of cooking and for other domestic services.But later on as human mind acquired more knowledge on the usage of fire evil ways born.Humans understood fire can also be used for destroying purposes.
Today human character is decided by many factors.The kind of environment human live, plays a major role in deciding his behavioural patterns and character.Also human mind has to be instilled with good principles at the earliest.
Human mind can acquire both evil and good nature.Good principles will subdue evil nature and culminate it at the end.
so Initially humans are innocent.First they develop good things and evil comes later.

Answer 8

Neither. The choice of good or evil comes form influences, which come after birth.

Answer 9

I guess you have never raised a child. I have two. Each one I taught to love God, to pray, and walk in the footsteps of Christ. Yet like every other child I have ever known They both lied a blue streak. Are humans born good... Good and rotten!!! Jim

Answer 10

People are born neither good or evil. They are simply born human.