Consequences of the Fall of Humanity
In this assignment, you will identify the consequences of the fall of humanity that leads to human suffering, and describe how a Christian organization fights back for creational purpose.
One of the central components of every worldview is the topic of human nature. The topic of human nature asks questions about human value, human flourishing, and human purpose. Within the Christian worldview, the issue of sin and the consequences of the fall factor prominently into the topic of human nature.
In the "Consequences of the Fall and Contemporary Response" three-part document, you will explore the topic of human nature from the perspective of the Christian worldview. The first part of the assignment involves examining the immediate implications of the fall. The second and third parts of the assignment address how the effects of the fall are still evident in the world today.
For Part Two and Part Three, you will select an organization from the "Christian Organizations That Address a Consequence of the Fall" list provided in the topic Resources.
While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA documentation guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Reminder: This is a templated document so the LopesWrite score will be higher due to the directions and questions.
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Be sure you answer Part One, Part Two, Part Three, and the Reference section of this assignment before submitting.
Part One: Human Nature in Genesis 1-3
Use and cite at least two of the following topic Resources: textbook Chapter 4, Topic 3 Overview, "The Mystery of Original Sin" article, and Bible passages. Cite all of the resources used with in-text citations. Include all the sources you cite on a reference section at the end of this document.
Based on at least two of the listed topic Resources, type your answer to the following questions in the box beneath each question.
1 What is revealed about human nature (from Genesis 1-2)? Cite and reference the textbook.
Your answer in 100-150 words:
Genesis 1 and 2 reveal human nature as free from evil. Humans are a unique creation of God because of their wisdom. The Biblical account confirms that human nature is that of God’s likeness. In Genesis 2:7, the Scriptures state that after God created Adam, He kept him in charge of the rest of the creation and land in the Garden of Eden. At the same time, human nature portrayed a high level of righteousness and innocence. The fact that Adam and Eve walked around the land naked supports this assertion. The uniqueness of human nature is also attributable to the ability to feel and think hence superiority over other animals on the land.
2 What are the consequences of the fall for human nature (from Genesis 3)?
Your answer in 100-150 words:
The fall refers to the transition of humans from innocence and obedience to a state of sin. The consequences of the fall can be categorized into spiritual and temporal/physical deaths. Spiritual death entails the shifting of human nature to unrighteousness. Initially, Adam and Eve were without shame and naked (Genesis 2:25). After breaking the law, they became guilty sinners. Banishment from the presence of the Creator was also part of the spiritual death. On the other hand, Adam’s disobedience was the cause of physical death as a punishment for humans. This damnation refers to the separation of humans’ bodies and spirits. The punishment of death was to occur even to the descendants of this first couple. The third immediate consequence was the ground cursing, resulting in the growth of irritating thistles and thorns (Genesis 3:17-18). The curse's effects spread across the universe, not just in the Garden of Eden.
3 What is revealed about human purpose? What does it mean for humans to flourish, in other words, to achieve spiritual, emotional, and mental well-being? Cite and reference "The Mystery of Original Sin" article.
Your answer in 100-150 words:
Human’s purpose was to serve God by protecting the garden, appreciating what God had given freely, and fulfilling the Creator’s law (Topic 3 overview, n.d.). One would think that it is for this great purpose that God created humans in His own image. Flourishing or achieving mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being means that a human has to serve the purpose God bestowed on him/her. Humans have to place God at the center of their lives and do according to God’s wishes no matter the circumstances. They should not place their desires ahead of the purpose that God intended for them to serve. Doing so would only distance them from the will of their Creator hence losing the favor of well-being.
4 How would pantheism or atheism (choose one) view human nature, human purpose, and human flourishing?
Your answer in 100-150 words:
Pantheism/atheism would have a different view of human flourishing, purpose, and nature. These secular beliefs question the existence of an all-powerful God superior to man and other creations. With a view that the universe is a manifestation of God, pantheism would disregard the duty of man to serve God’s established purpose. Therefore, this doctrine would assume that man is free to exercise his will. The temptation and greed of humans would be deemed acceptable following these beliefs. Since these beliefs also show tolerance of other gods, they may support human’s fall to the temptation to follow what the devil guided them to do while breaking the set laws in the garden. However, these beliefs go against the Christian worldview of the aspects in question.
5 The question, "How can an all-powerful, all knowing, and all good God allow suffering?" is called the problem of evil and suffering. Briefly summarize the Christian worldview's response to the problem of evil and suffering. Cite and reference the topic overview and/or the textbook.
Your answer in 100-150 words:
The fall of man was the beginning of suffering in the world (Topic 3 overview, n.d.). Although one should not blame humans and God for the suffering, it is a constant reminder to man that seeing things through calls for a connection with the Creator. Christians perceive the earth as a destination for face tests to develop their souls. This conception leads to the idea of a theological theory called the ‘vale of soul-making,’ which tells that humans must constantly develop and grow to be righteous (Wadell, 2018). They are reminded not to misuse their free will like Adam and Eve did in the garden. At the end of the suffering, humans will gain the reward of eternal paradise.
Part Two: Consequence of the Fall Today
Select a Christian organiza...