Are humans by birth as wicked as the Heidelberg Catechism (3-11) holds? A dialogue between theology and modern sciences
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Date
2014
Authors
Lampe, P.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Theology, University of the Free State
Abstract
English: While the introduction compares the Heidelberg Catechism’s theologically framed
concept of sin with similar and opposing secular views of the past (e.g., Plautus,
Quintilian, Hobbes), the main part uses contemporary scientific studies to challenge
the Catechism’s view that (after alienation from God in the Fall) all human individuals
by birth are wicked: incapable of loving others. Studies discovered remarkable
capacities of empathy and altruism already in young children of different cultures as
well as in primates, suggesting that altruism is deep-rooted in common ancestors
of humans and primates. However, humans encounter limits of their capacity
for altruism especially when dealing with outsiders not belonging to their own
group. Culture, especially religion, is needed to advance a systematic, and not
just spontaneous, altruism reaching beyond one’s group boundaries. Concluding
remarks, using Paul, roughly sketch what a modern harmatiology would have to
emphasize if it is not moral corruptness.
Description
Keywords
Heidelberg Catechism, Catechism, Culture, Religion, God in the Fall, Moral corruptness, Anthropology, Wickedness, Natural sciences
Citation
Lampe, P. (2014). Are humans by birth as wicked as the Heidelberg Catechism (3-11) holds? A dialogue between theology and modern sciences. Acta Theologica, 34, 74-85.