Part One: The Fall & Readings For Topic 3

Part One The Fall Thenread The Assigned Readings In Topic 3 Textbo

Part One: The Fall - Then

Read the assigned readings in Topic 3 (Textbook Chapter 4, Lecture 3, "The Mystery of Original Sin" article, and Bible passages) and address the following questions with a total word count (including the questions and your answers) of words. Cite all sources used with in-text citations, using at least two sources from the Topic 3 readings. Include these in the reference list at the end of the assignment. Write your paragraph response directly below each question:

1. What is revealed about human nature (from Gen 1-2)?
2. Genesis 1-2 reveals that human nature is fundamentally good and created in the image of God. Humanity is bestowed with dignity, rationality, and free will, designed to live in harmony with God, others, and creation. Humans are depicted as stewards of the earth, possessing a unique spiritual capacity that differentiates them from other creatures. This initial divine design underscores human potential for goodness, creativity, and moral responsibility. The biblical account emphasizes that humans were created for relationship, both with God and with one another, reflecting divine love and community. The native goodness of humanity, however, is susceptible to corruption through free will, which becomes apparent after the Fall (Genesis 3). As such, human nature encompasses both innate dignity and the capacity for moral failure, a duality that shapes the biblical understanding of humanity’s purpose and struggles (Kreeft & Tacelli, 2009; Bible, Genesis 1-2).
3. What are the consequences of the Fall for human nature (from Gen 3)?
4. The Fall, described in Genesis 3, introduces a profound disruption in human nature, resulting in separation from God, guilt, and suffering. When Adam and Eve disobey God's command, sin enters the human condition, corrupting the original purity and harmony. Consequences include a loss of innocence, increased labor and pain, and a tendency toward shame and blame-shifting. Spiritually, humanity experiences alienation from God, which affects moral decision-making and personal relationships. The Fall also introduces mortality, suffering, and a propensity toward evil and selfishness, affecting individuals and communities. This fallen state necessitates divine intervention for reconciliation and redemption, emphasizing that human nature, while still capable of good, is now inclined toward sin and needs divine grace to restore original goodness (Moltmann, 2011; Bible, Genesis 3).
5. What is revealed about human purpose from the readings? What does it mean for humans to flourish, in other words to achieve spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being?
6. The readings reveal that human purpose is rooted in relationship—first with God, then with others and creation. Humanity is created to steward the earth and to seek spiritual fulfillment through communion with God. Flourishing involves aligning one's life with God's will, cultivating virtues, and nurturing relationships that promote love, peace, and justice. Achieving spiritual well-being entails living in accordance with divine law and grace, fostering moral integrity and inner peace. Emotional and mental well-being is connected to authentic relationships, community, and a sense of purpose derived from serving others and fulfilling one's divine vocation. The biblical view underscores that true flourishing is holistic, encompassing spiritual growth, emotional resilience, and mental clarity, enabled by divine grace and human cooperation (Pope & Bailey, 2011; Bible, Genesis 1-2).
7. How might these questions about human nature, purpose, and flourishing, be answered by those holding a Pantheistic or Atheistic worldview?
8. From a pantheistic perspective, human nature is seen as inherently connected to the divine consciousness that pervades everything. In this view, humans are expressions of the divine energy, and purpose is achieved through realizing oneness with the universe and attaining spiritual enlightenment. Flourishing involves aligning oneself with this universal divine essence, transcending individual ego, and fostering harmony with all of existence (Gibbons & Shepherd, 2014). Conversely, an atheistic worldview rejects the notion of divine purpose altogether, positing that humans are a product of natural evolution without inherent spiritual significance. Purpose is thus self-defined, and flourishing is about maximizing personal potential, pursuing happiness, and contributing to societal progress through reason, ethics, and human effort. Emotional and mental well-being are achieved through self-actualization, meaningful relationships, and societal engagement, without reliance on divine or supernatural beliefs (Russell, 2010; Dawkins, 2006).

Part Two: The Fall - NOW

In today’s society, acts of dehumanization continue to reflect the lingering effects of the Fall, which distorts human dignity and leads to injustices such as human trafficking. Human trafficking involves the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through forced labor, sexual exploitation, or involuntary servitude, stripping victims of their dignity and autonomy. According to the International Labour Organization (2021), over 24 million people are victims of forced labor globally, many of whom are trafficked across borders, often coerced through violence, deception, or economic hardship. The causes include poverty, corruption, lack of education, and gender inequality. The impact on victims is devastating—they suffer physical, emotional, and psychological trauma, often enduring long-term consequences that hinder their ability to regain normalcy (UNODC, 2022). Perpetrators, driven by greed and power, perpetuate this cycle of violence, while society bears the stain of dehumanization and neglect. Prevention involves strengthening legal protections, increasing awareness, and providing economic opportunities for vulnerable populations.

A God-centered worldview, rooted in the biblical understanding of human dignity as created in God's image, emphasizes the intrinsic worth of every individual. Such a perspective calls for compassion, justice, and active efforts to restore dignity. It encourages faith communities and societies to work together to combat trafficking by promoting moral responsibility, providing support for victims, and advocating for policies aligned with divine justice (Pope & Bailey, 2011). A PSA campaign could highlight the horrors of trafficking, promote resources like hotlines and shelters, and emphasize spiritual and moral responsibilities to protect the vulnerable. Visually, the commercial might depict scenes of hope—rescue missions, supportive communities, and restored lives—reinforcing the message that every person deserves dignity and respect, and that divine love compels action to defeat dehumanization.

In conclusion, understanding the biblical narrative of the Fall provides insight into human depravity and potential for redemption. Applying a biblical worldview to current issues like trafficking underscores the importance of seeing every person as made in the likeness of God, fostering compassion and action rooted in divine justice. Prevention strategies, coupled with faith-based compassion, can play a vital role in mitigating dehumanization and promoting true human flourishing.

References

• Dawkins, R. (2006). The God Delusion. Bantam Books.
• Gibbons, R., & Shepherd, M. (2014). Exploring Panentheism: The Emerging Spirit of the Universe. Journal of Spirituality and Religion.
• International Labour Organization. (2021). Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Trafficking. ILO Publications. https://www.ilo.org/global/publications/books/WCMS_812858/lang--en/index.htm
• Kreeft, P., & Tacelli, R. (2009). Christians Praying: Introduction to the Spiritual Life. Ignatius Press.
• Moltmann, J. (2011). The Coming of God: Christian Eschatology. Fortress Press.
• Pope, S., & Bailey, G. (2011). The Human Person in the Age of Globalization. Journal of Christian Ethics.
• Russell, B. (2010). The Conquest of Happiness. Routledge.
• UNODC. (2022). Global Report on Trafficking in Persons. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/data-and-analysis/global-trafficking-in-persons.html
• Bible. (n.d.). Genesis 1-3. New International Version.
• GCU Library. (n.d.). URLs for accessed articles and resources from the eLibrary.