In an age that fawns after celebrities and deifies do-gooders, reminders of our true estate can be painful.
The common notion that humans are, at heart, kind and compassionate, that bad people are an aberration, recently took another hit.
What makes the story about Lisa Marie Nowak shocking is not that she traveled over 1,000 miles to out a romantic rival, but that she did so after having reached one of the highest, most respected offices in America. However, in the end, the rigorous training, fierce competition, and battery of psychological tests, could not weed out human nature.
Perhaps it’s our idea of human nature that needs weeding.
The Bible teaches that human beings are, essentially, bad. In theological terms it’s called Total Depravity. Understanding and articulating this concept is fundamental — basic — to Christianity. Total depravity does not mean we are incapable of doing good things, but that we are incapable of mustering or sustaining any sort of intrinsic goodness. One moment we can help an old lady across the street and the next, curse the impatient commuters who are honking at us. We can fly to the stars only to return home and plot the murder of our co-pilot.
Blaise Pascal put it this way:
It is dangerous to explain too clearly to man how like he is to the animals without pointing out his greatness. It is also dangerous to make too much of his greatness without his vileness. It is still more dangerous to leave him in ignorance of both, but it is most valuable to represent both to him.
Since a healthy dog can experience many of the same diseases and ailments that people suffer, especially as they age, should you consider giving vitamins and supplements to your pet?
Man must not be allowed to believe that he is equal either to animals or angels, nor to be unaware of either, but he must know both.
Pensees, VI. Contradictions, 121
It’s a brilliant summary: Humans are bookended between animals and angels, and Scripture is clear to distinguish us from both. Genesis 1-3 shows man as the pinnacle of Creation; he alone bears God’s 
image, communes with God, and is held responsible for his conduct. But lest we get puffed up, Psalm 8:5 reminds that we are “a little lower than the angels” and that the heavenly hosts watch our escapades with awe and amusement. According to Scripture, we are neither angels nor animals.
And this is a problem for some.
On the one hand are those who believe that humans are, or can become, divine, godlike. On the other, are those who believe we are simply evolved animals. You can learn more scientific facts about animals at veterinarian services st petersburg fl. The astronaut scandal is a painful reminder that we are neither. Or both.
Like Lisa Nowak, each of us has the ability to soar — to transcend adversity, achieve uncanny levels of physical and mental prowess. But despite our acumen, we cannot halt the spread of “vileness.” Like the fallen spacewoman, underneath our cultured veneer, lurks something insidious. No sooner do we re-enter earth orbit and pose before the adoring crowds, than we cast a jealous eye to our comrades and assemble “kill kits” for their disposal.
So as NASA scrambles to review its psychological testing, I have some advice for them: Aim somewhere between angels and animals.
i had read once that a society is one generation away from being centered on God.
i believe that i am always one moment, one choice, away from being centered on God. not an animal, not an angel . . . but somewhere in between.
i believe that was the whole point of the book of job. job runs this long discourse of who is was/is. his friends fumble. elihu, a young man, picks up the ball. but then God has his say … God basically says, “I am God and you are not.” though the book begins with satan, it does not end with the deceiver. it ends with job “getting it,” with job saying, “You are God and i am not.”
somewhere in between –
excellent, mike – i love this piece.
“Total Depravity”… you’re definitely refraining from a theological scratching of the surface here. John Calvin would be proud.
It’s a concept that can keep one sleepless and wondering, to say the least.
Good post, well thought out. “Humans are bookended between animals and angels” is such an awesome phrase, it’s almost lyrical.
Ame, the resolution of the Book of Job is fascinating to consider in this context. It both puts Man in his place, and exalts him. First Job is humbled by loss, disease, condemnation and Divine interrogation, after which he is blessed beyond measure. You’re right, there’s a balance there that fits the angel/animal paradigm. And Matty, I’m glad you think Calvin would be proud. However, I’m left sleepless by the doctrine of Predestination far more than I’m troubled by my own depravity.