Catholics and Evangelicals: Similarities: Human Beings

We are on to part three of our series Roman Catholics and Evangelicals: Agreements and Differences. In this section we will discuss the similarities in the view of human beings. This is from chapter 3 in the book if you are following along. If you are not, I would like to encourage you to do so. There is a lot more content in the book that I am not covering in this online class.

The doctrine of human beings is another area where we have a great deal in common between Catholics and Protestants, but this is also an area where I believe there is a big difference between the doctrine or church teaching is and what the people actually believe about human beings and our nature. We will discuss more of that later.

Definition of Humanity

Let us first of all define our terms a little bit. The term “man” has gotten a bum rap over the past few decades during the battle for political correctness and our effort to be “inclusive”. First off, in classical literature the term “man” means “humanity” which of course means men and women.

This battle is a pet peeve of mine. There is no need to neuter all the old songs of the church to remove male references and make them more politically correct. There is no reason to neuter the Bible so that it removes the male reference and includes a more “inclusive” term (Check out Mark D Robert’s Series on the NEW TNIV Bible). We all know these references are inclusive. Ok, I will get off my soapbox now.

One last thought on this definition of man, man has a mind and he is different from the nature that surrounds him.

Where did Man come from?

God created the first man Adam, and he was created good. This is important to consider and remember. At creation, we were inclined towards God. That was our nature. We had the ability to choose to sin but our inclination or natural tendency was towards obedience.

We also believe that all people stem from the original Adam and Eve. This actually comes from the New Testament, Acts 17:26 were Paul was arguing to the Greeks. Because Adam fell, all of human nature was corrupted.

What is our Nature?

We are body and soul, physical and spirit. After our body dies, our spirit survives waiting to be reunited with our glorified body after the resurrection when Jesus comes again. We believe that the body is an important part of man with “positive value” and that the body is connected with just one soul. The body does not exist for it’s own purpose but is exists for the spiritual soul. “The soul is … the essential form of the body”. The concept of eternal life for each person requires each person to have a soul. Finally we believe that soul and body are connected at the moment of conception.

Where do we find this in Scripture?

Old Testament: ·

• In Genesis we find man was made in God’s image. God breathed life into us. Chapter two of Genesis tells us that the ”Garden of Eden” was a literal place and it was set up for us to fellowship with God and each other.
• Woman was created out of man. A majority of Church Fathers believe this in a literal historical sense.
• Only man and woman are made in the image of God.
• The creation event was a fantastic event.
• God set up Rules of conduct for his special creation. If you follow God’s rules there will be blessings.
• Adam and Eve sinned and “man” was changed.

New Testament:

• In the New Testament Jesus referred to the creations event implying it was an actual event. (Like he believed the Genesis account)
• We see teaching of a conscious existence after death
• Catholics and evangelicals agree that human beings are fallen. The exact degree of “fallenness” is debated in both Catholic circles and Protestant/Evangelical circles. In my humble opinion, I would say it is a mystery that we will see more clearly when we get to heaven. Nice copout!

Doctrine of Humanity Original Sin:

Both Catholics and Evangelicals believe in the doctrine of original sin. Evangelicals just don’t know what it is called. You hear this doctrine all the time if you are raised in the Catholic Church.

• Because of Adam’s first sin, we have all been corrupted.
• This fall corrupted both our body and our soul.
• This fall resulted in death and the “the tyranny of the devil”

If you are older than 40, you know firsthand how the fall has affected your body, you just plain hurt more and are slower. Maybe you have even thought about dying once or twice. We know we are going to physically die.

Our spiritual being has been changed so that our inclination is towards selfishness and sin. If you examine your heart, you know you are inclined to sin. This is true even for Christians. Like Paul says in the book of Romans, chapter 7.

14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.

Consequences of Sin:

Not only are humans affected by the fall, but also the creation has been affected. Is is only by God’s grace that salvation can be obtained.

Humanity and God’s Created World

How are we connected to the bigger universe? God create man to be on the top of the created pecking order of created beings. He did this so that we will care for and manage the other created things. These efforts to man to manage are of value.

Evolution

Catholics are able to believe in evolution both micro and macro but they also must believe that the first three chapters of Genesis are true. Many Evangelicals have grave doubts about macroevolution. This whole area requires a very delicate balancing act.

So what can we conclude?

I think this whole section can be summed up pretty easily by Romans 3:23 “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”

Additional thoughts

Now that we have taken a look at what Catholic and Evangelical doctrine states about Human beings, I still have a practical note on the subject.

I talk to many people about spiritual issues. I find that many people I speak with even many in the church misunderstand the fallen nature of man. I hear the comment all the time that people think “man is basically good” which directly contradicts a Christian understanding that man is inclined towards sin and selfishness. Man is evil.

I can’t tell if this is spiritual blindness on their part of a defense mechanism to allow them to live with themselves or maybe a way to keep them from seeing their spiritual condition. It is only in seeing our wicked spiritual condition that we can come to the conclusion that we have a need for a savior.

I challenge you to listen for this kind of expression in conversations that you have with people and correct them gently on this matter. A proper understanding of Human Nature is critical.

If you have not gotten the book yet and you still want to participate in the conversation, it is not too late. Order your book today!

Next time we will be moving on to the doctrine of Christ.

Find the complete series here.