It is difficult to use nature’s evidence to prove depravity as a universal concept relative to mankind, and rather easy to prove that persons humanly sin in the course of their lives. Even in this agreement we like to believe there are mild sins (venial, perhaps seen as faults, or even, on special occasions a benefit) that are or can be acknowledged but are rather easily forgivable and probably exact penalty during an individual’s natural lifetime. Important is the concept of venial sins in the Catholic Church, some of which are presumably met in purgatory from which the guilty person may be moved along in prayer to forgiveness and final preparation for heaven. Mortal sins are seen as severe to the human condition and become the preeminent concern relative to the theme of depravity. Some theologians believe that moral sin is picked up along the way of life after childhood until morality becomes a deliberate influence in a life. The individual becomes a moral sinner on his or her own. It is the historical belief from Scripture that depravity is a negative spiritual condition, inescapable, part of the nature of each person, which must be met with a spiritual experience of forgiveness and spiritual birth offered of God so to deliver the person from the poisonous influence of a sinful nature. Biblically the problem is met in the redemptive message of Jesus Christ, and the acceptance of that message to the individual for thought and conduct. Jesus dramatized the point by identifying it to Nicodemus as a born-again experience. (John 3)
Both the words sin and depravity are firmly disliked by a large percentage of human beings. They are seen by many as insulting (perhaps untrue, perhaps distorted) to the human race, rather than as analytic words identifying a condition of mankind. In analysis the words are seen first as descriptive. Only later do they become accusative. Even then they are managed readily through acts of humility, confession, forgiveness, and spiritual birth to immortal life acceptable with God in perpetuity. Unwillingness to take on responsibility for this redemptive factor in our lives may be stronger than any desire for spiritual faith no matter how great the rewards of that faith may appear to be. Sin, whether mild (venial) or severe (mortal) can create a wall between man and God, even against humanity in violence against persons, institutions or any other negative context of natural life. Upton Sinclair’s story at the turn to the twentieth century relating the cruelties in preparation of animals for markets would qualify as a mortal sin for those engaged in the nefarious process, and spilling over into the analysis of the relationship of God with humanity.
Weaving through Scripture and the writings of theologians, depravity is a human condition in inherited context of humanity that causes the individual to sometimes rebel against the application of righteousness originating from the holiness of God. That condition may make a liar of the person, or an adulterer, or a thief – or any negative practice against the nature of God’s holiness. That negative response serves to the reduction of both the individual and his or her affirmations to other individuals. It is perceived in some straightforward contrasts between a life serving the needs of others to their good and growth, and to the concept of self that distorts the meaning of service to perceived self- preference. That difference is considerable, even when it does not include large preoccupation. Small distortions can lead to ever increasing violations of righteousness. A life following the instructions of Scripture for faith and conduct, simplified in the intervening grace of Jesus Christ, provides the only cure for the person seeking to become what he or she was meant to become – not only for heaven and God, but for mankind and nature. Even the secular world, without giving due credit, mimics the ancient spiritual forms for righteousness (ethics and laws), for prayer (meditation), for latent dignity of all persons (respect in society), for wisdom (education, understanding and right conduct) for health (positive attitudes and moderation), for systems of peace in service to others and receiving from others (giving and receiving, societal balance). The issues are many. Christians can find success related to the participation of God in the process so to find meaning, hope, love and peace. This does require obedience to the heavenly vision as outlined in Scripture. Witnesses of centuries in great numbers declare how meaningful the genuine experience of God becomes – to fulfillment. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020