Imperfect Humanity & Nature

December 1, 1995

Issues & Evidence

Imperfection may be generally defined as the evil element of human nature.
This is distinguished from being finite or limited in capability.
Are people truly imperfect having both good & evil sides to their character?
Love & hate, war & peace, murder & passion all evidence imperfection.

Evil in the Secular System

Assume our observations of human imperfection are correct.
Global peace talks, prison rehabilitation, psychotherapy, etc. seek reform.
Ultimately, can human nature be truly reformed by the secular system?

Evil from a Christian Perspective

If there is a God, how could evil accompany good in human beings?
Following is an explanation for the perfection of God & imperfection of humanity:

The perfect God of creation made only perfect things.
Human beings, displaying both good & evil, are now imperfect.
People were permitted by God to change themselves.

If Biblical Christianity is true, why is there so much hypocrisy?
Christians are not perfect & many who claim to be Christians really are not.
The roots of evil in our character is found in the Genesis account.
Figure: "The Fall of Humanity."
Figure: "Broken People in a Broken World."
Imperfection is understood in view of the perfect God:

God	Perfect	The Biblical God is a perfect God.	2:16-3:21
		Figure: "The Attributes of God."
		Perfection encompasses truth, holiness & love.

Humanity	Imperfect	Humans were made like God in truth, holiness & love.	1:26
		People now distrust, disobey & dishonor God.	3:6
		This broken relationship results in a broken world.	3:7-24
		Humanity is now morally & physically imperfect.	3:7-24
		Tribulation & distress scared life after the fall.	Rom 2:9
		Figure: "The Personality & Imperfection of Humanity."

Nature	Imperfect	The world of nature is now physically imperfect.	3:7-24
		Animals now fear human beings.	9:2
		The creation has groaned & suffered ever since.	Rom 8:22

From Philosophical to Personal

Evidence of physical & moral imperfection are abundant in our lives.
Imperfection of man & nature is symptomatic of our broken relationship with God.
The broken relationship with God at the center of imperfection needs repair.