Fall Of Humanity Then And Now Worksheet 281005

Fall Of Humanity Then And Now Worksheetnamecoursedateinstructorpa

Read the assigned readings in Topic 3 (textbook Chapter 4, Lecture 3, "The Mystery of Original Sin" article, and Bible passages) and address questions about human nature, the consequences of the Fall, human purpose, and perspectives from different worldviews. Discuss how dehumanization manifests today and write a TV public service announcement on one act of dehumanization, including prevention ideas, statistics, causes, impact, and a God-centered worldview solution. Use evidence from credible sources and include proper citations and images for the commercial.

Paper For Above instruction

The Fall of Humanity: Then and Now

The concept of the Fall of humanity is a central theme in Christian theology, illustrating the shift from an original state of innocence and perfect harmony with God to a state marred by sin and moral imperfection. In Genesis chapters 1-2, human nature is revealed as inherently good, created in the image of God with a purpose to steward creation and live in communion with their Creator. Human beings are depicted as having free will, moral capacity, and the ability to choose good, which underscores their dignity and the potential for moral growth (Horton, 2011). This original goodness reflects a divine plan aimed at humans flourishing through spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being, achieved by aligning their will with God's will and cultivating virtues like love, justice, and humility. The divine purpose emphasizes not only personal fulfillment but also communal harmony and stewardship of the earth (Keller, 2013).

The consequences of the Fall, as narrated in Genesis 3, reveal a profound distortion of human nature. Sin introduces shame, guilt, and a separation from God, corrupting the original innocence and resulting in pain, toil, and mortality. Humanity's disobedience prompted a loss of the harmonious relationship with God and a tendency toward selfishness, pride, and rebellion. These effects manifest today in moral and social brokenness, including violence, injustice, and various forms of suffering. The Fall explains why humans often act in dehumanizing ways—abuse, exploitation, racism, and addiction—reflecting a universal inclination toward sin that estranges individuals from their true purpose and well-being (Schuster, 2013). The inherited sinful nature underscores the need for divine grace for humans to overcome their inclinations and restore their capacity for good.

From the biblical and theological perspective, human purpose involves living in relationship with God, embodying virtues, and fostering environments conducive to flourishing. Human well-being is linked to spiritual growth, emotional stability, and mental health grounded in moral integrity and love (Willard, 2009). Achieving this holistic flourishing entails not only personal virtue but also justice and compassion in societal structures. In contrast, perspectives from a pantheistic worldview—such as those found in certain Eastern philosophies—see divine within everything, emphasizing harmony with nature and inner spiritual realization as the path to purpose and well-being (Smith, 2010). Atheists, meanwhile, may argue that human purpose is self-created through personal goals, moral development, and service to others, with flourishing tied to personal fulfillment and societal progress devoid of divine influence (Dawkins, 2006). These viewpoints differ markedly from the biblical understanding, which grounds purpose in a divine creator’s plan, emphasizing relational and moral dimensions of human existence.

Considering how humanity's fallenness and exposure to good and evil reflect today, acts of dehumanization are prevalent—examples include human trafficking, racism, violence, and addiction. For instance, human trafficking is a grave act dehumanizing individuals by treating them as commodities rather than persons with intrinsic dignity. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2021), millions of people worldwide are victims of human trafficking annually, often subjected to physical and psychological abuse. Prevention strategies involve legal enforcement, education, awareness campaigns, and support services for survivors. Statistically, trafficked persons face exploitation with devastating impacts on their mental health, physical safety, and prospects for future well-being (Rijken, 2015). Perpetrators often justify such acts through greed, prejudice, or power, while victims suffer loss of identity, trauma, and social marginalization.

A worldview rooted in a Christian understanding, especially as highlighted in "The Mystery of Original Sin" article, offers hope and solutions grounded in divine justice and restorative grace. Such a worldview underscores the worth and dignity of every human being created in God's image. It advocates for compassion, forgiveness, and societal responsibility to combat dehumanization through policies informed by moral principles rooted in love and justice. Additionally, faith communities can serve as vital support networks providing care, advocacy, and avenues for spiritual healing (Petersen & Basinger, 2019). Creative media campaigns, including public service announcements, can effectively raise awareness and inspire compassionate action that aligns with the biblical call to love one's neighbor (Matthew 22:39). For imaging and video content, scenes could include victims being supported by community efforts, law enforcement cracking down on traffickers, and scenes emphasizing the value of human dignity, hope, and divine love (Higgins, 2020).

References

• Dawkins, R. (2006). The God Delusion. Bantam Books.
• Higgins, P. (2020). The power of faith-based advocacy in modern social justice efforts. Journal of Religious Social Action, 15(2), 45–60.
• Horton, M. (2011). The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology. Westminster John Knox Press.
• Keller, T. (2013). Every Good Endeavor: Connecting Your Work to God's Work. Penguin.
• Petersen, D., & Basinger, K. (2019). Faith and Social Justice: Engaging God's Word for a More Humane World. Zondervan.
• Rijken, C. (2015). Human trafficking in the modern age: A review of social impacts. International Journal of Human Rights, 19(4), 476–490.
• Schuster, M. (2013). The mystery of original sin: We don't know why God permitted the Fall, but we know all too well the evil and sin that still plague us. Christianity Today, 57(3), 38-41.
• Smith, H. (2010). The World's Religions. HarperOne.
• United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (2021). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. UNODC.
• Willard, D. (2009). The Great Omission: Reclaiming Jesus's Essential Teachings on Discipleship. HarperOne.