An interesting question is whether people are born “good,” “bad,” or just “innocent.” Most people love babies; something about their big heads and little bodies makes you just want to hold them.
Dennis Prager says we’re born innocent–that we have to learn to be good. I guess you could say that’s a life-time endeavor and part of our purpose on earth. It would certainly be easier if all the people were trying to be good as well. I understand the need for opposition, and I accept that, though I do not like it. But it does work.
I would agree that we are born innocent, that is, guiltless. Maybe you start with a clean slate; you get to prove yourself. Since I believe that your spirit has existed for a long time, before the birth of your mortal body, I would guess that people are born with varying degrees of goodness, maybe even different degrees of badness. There certainly have been some evil people in this life, and at one time they were babies — I often think of that.
Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:40)
I offer this anecdotal evidence — the story of Steven the Bunny Killer, the 4-year-old neighbor boy, who we caught squeezing our baby rabbits to make them squeal in pain. The second time, my husband explained to him that this kills the bunny, and please do not squeeze them. So we thought there was no question he understood the situation. Not long after, Steven climbed up into our treehouse with one of the baby rabbits and promptly threw it down, using gravity to perform the death blow. Well, we escorted him home to his parents, who, surprisingly, didn’t seem that surprised.
And on the other hand, some little children seem to have the sweetest dispositions and would never think to bully another child. Sibling rivalry, well, that is unavoidable.
We are born guiltless (innocent), and need to be instructed in the path of goodness; some more than others, I would think, based on personal observations — about myself as well as others.
I’ve been listening to Dennis Prager’s commentary on the books of Genesis and Exodus. I am learning new things and quite enjoy his perspective. One thing he talks about is how important it is to be a good person. And how important it is for your kids to know that you respect that quality above all else — such as having a great job, making lots of money, being famous, or a good athlete. Being good trumps all those other things. And your kids should know that. (I remember when psychologists told parents that it was not good to say to your kids they are good. But I did it anyway.)
I listened to this interview today — Dennis Prager interviews Jordan Peterson — “On claiming belief in God, interview with Dennis Prager” I think you will enjoy it.
