Thus far I’ve touched on how none of us is truly neutral in the strictest sense of the term and how relativism can and does literally wreak havoc on our society and world.

Again, the impact of these beliefs is far more profound than I realized years ago, and that’s why I’m writing this series.

The third cultural lie which I see being propagated is this idea that you and I are innately “good, perfect, and whole.”

Before you dismiss what I’m saying, let me say that I can empathize with those who gravitate to this belief.

Personally, I believe this trending belief can often be a reaction to having been indoctrinated with another lie on another extreme which is that humans are worthless and without any value whatsoever.

But let’s be honest.

From mere existence in this world, I believe you and I can plainly see two evident things about human nature as we go about the world.

On one hand, we are truly amazing in our capacities and are capable of great sacrifice, virtue, and love.

On the other hand, we are also capable of engaging in evil, heinous behaviors and actions.

Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn in his book, The Gulag Archipelago, said this:

“The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties — but right through every human heart — and through all human hearts”

Wow! Now, I think this gets a bit closer to the truth!

The Bible talks about how we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and made in God’s image (Genesis 1).

So, are you and I beautiful creations of God made in His image? YES!

Yet the Bible also talks about how in our natural state “the heart is deceitful above all things” (Jeremiah 17:9).

So, are you and I capable of lying to ourselves and doing wrong and evil in the world? YES!

So, you see, there’s a sense in which we are both Broken (not perfect, prone to do wrong) and Beautiful (valuable, made in God’s image, capable of virtue).

But, you may wonder…why is it necessary to go out on a limb and call this belief out as a “cultural lie”?

Well, because it’s not true. And I mean that in an objective, experiential sense.

And think about this logically..

If humans were innately good, perfect, and whole, why do you make mistakes? Why would you need to apologize? Why would you ever have that sense inside that you’re struggling, need help, and benefit from vulnerability?

If humans were innately good, perfect, and whole, why do we have the problems we have in the world today?

And what observable evidence do you have that humans are good, perfect, and whole?

Moreover, why have we continued to need things like rules, laws, governments, and law enforcement?

Needless to say, truly embracing these beliefs can have disastrous consequences on an individual, societal, and cultural level.

In conclusion…

Have you found yourself drawn to this idea that humans are innately good?

If so, why do you think you’ve been drawn to this idea?

If you disagree and don’t see this as a cultural lie, what DO you believe about humans?

Let’s thrive in truth!