Is Man Basically Good – Part 3

Continuing pastor Kennedy's message, he states that  Anthropologists tell us that 1/3 of all human beings that have lived on this planet have died at the hands of their fellow man. Mankind has killed 1/3 of the human race. Consider this very century in which we live and the many atrocities that do not attest that man is basically good. It is astounding that anyone with an ounce of knowledge or even common sense could hold to such an idiotic position. Due to our sin nature, there is a little Adolf Eichmann is all of us. Not only does history attest to it, the Bible declares it and Christ affirms it, but common sense is enough to demonstrate it. Just look around today and see the evil. All you need to do is read the front page of the newspaper, see the report flashes on your computer or cell phone, or watch the evening local and world news.

If 83% of Americans believe that man is basically good, then why are churches being burnt to the ground? Why would a student shot fellow students and then themselves? Why would people make videos celebrating their dropping out of school and criminally immoral behavior? Why are innocent people killed in robberies? Why do women leave their newborn children in trash dumpsters? Why is there a growing demand for alarm systems and video security in the home? Why do we use locks? Why are there serial killers? Why are there police officers in every city … to help law-abiding citizens across the street? Why are there thick steel doors in bank vaults, security cameras, alarm buttons and bullet-proof glass in front of the Tellers? Why do airports have metal-detectors, x-ray machines, TSA agents and armed Sheriffs? Why do we spend billions of dollars on Courts, Judges, Prosecutors, jails and prisons, if man is basically good? Laws keep the honesty people honest and provide penalties for the dishonest. Why has the country spent trillions of dollars on military defense and Homeland security against basically “good” people out there?

How in the world could so many people have become so deceived and even deny the very foundation of this country? One thing is for certain, the Founding Fathers of this nation knew that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely and therefore, no much power may be collected into one or a few hands. The Federal government is divided into three branches (Executive, Legislative and Judicial). Powers in government have checks and balances because man is evil. In the reality of the sin of man, we see that there are ramifications of these sins and the denial of it. It is indeed tragic and one of the great ironies of history that man’s selfishness and sinfulness, when acknowledged as such as it is in our own system, it provides a system of government that allows for the greatest freedom and the greatest protection of our fellow human beings. But, those who do not acknowledge the sinfulness of mankind invariably produce a Hell right here on earth. We are being misled and deceived by false teachers and prophets from every direction that a benevolent dictator will take care of us “good” folks. Define the word “good”. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary defines “good” as: Having moral qualities best adapted to its design and use, or the qualities which God's law requires; virtuous; pious; religious; applied to persons, and opposed to bad, vicious, wicked, evil. How do we measure up?

Let's finish Pastor Kennedy's message on good and evil in the next post, Monday.

In Christ, Brian