The Irony of Man

Photo by Colton Sturgeon on Unsplash

Humans are funny. I'm not talking about that in a comedic sense, although there's that dimension to us. What I mean is, we're odd and paradoxical at times. We're a conundrum.

In a previous article, I mentioned that we're afraid of being vulnerable with others because we don't want them to find that deep down in our core, we're an empty shell. Now, I don't think that's exactly the reason. I think what we fear more than being seen as an empty shell, is being seen as unlovable or wretched. We have this deep-seated need to be accepted and loved, right? To have somebody else see the despicable parts of ourselves defeats the purpose of trying to paint ourselves to be lovable or good. That's why we try to be good to others, isn't it? Initially, I mean, and I don't really want to get into the religious aspects of these questions yet.

Essentially, human beings are selfish by nature, and there are some people who have developed a more regulated filter to restrain their impulses. Perhaps they were socialized or raised in a loving household, so they are able to apply enough pressure against the natural instinct of humans to be self-centered or self-absorbed. But, in truth, what we really are deep down are selfish creatures. Take away all the conveniences that a person has and push them to the edge of sanity, and human nature will take over.

Don't get me wrong. There is a sense of goodness embedded in our core. We know what's right and what's wrong, generally, even if society dictates otherwise. Say, for example, killing another human being has been deemed justifiable by society for some reason or other. A person who witnesses such a thing would probably reel at the lack of disregard for human life. Nine times out of ten, people will think that's an evil thing to do. There are some people, however, by some way or other will not bat an eye or think twice about it. It's possible that their conscience has been seared to the point that evil acts induce no repulsion in them. But generally, we would find those acts contemptible.

Going back to my original assertion and the topic of this article. It is ironic how humans who have been created in the image of God would use the gift of free will which God gave to disobey God. All other creation obey God without question, except man. And that's the irony of our existence. Furthermore, to impose a certain type of morality and deny the existence or authority of God, is even more baffling. I find it ironic for man to oppose his creator, simply because man wants to do the things that God says should not be done.

It's something that I fail to comprehend, although I myself have experienced it. It's not always violent or active rebellion against God. Sometimes, it happens in the mind when you try to justify an act that seemingly has no impact or bearing on other people, but you know is not pleasing to God. So you try to reason with your conscience about it, even though it's screaming at you saying that it's not right. Isn't that our dilemma with sin? That we exchange the glory of God for the short gratification of our flesh or our greed, lust, pride, or what have you. And then try to justify that in front of God, that's the ultimate insult and irony of our existence. Then, try to deny the existence of God so that we won't have to give account to the things that we have done.

This is more of a rant in a way. I just had this thought and I wanted to express it in some way. But don't you think it doesn't make sense for people to claim a certain type of morality should exist, but the source of that being excluded? That is, for people to say that murder or rape is wrong, but to have the basis as not in the Bible or God and His Word, seems unreasonable. Because if God's Word is not going to be the basis for that morality claim or truth claim, then what is the basis for it?

If it's the theory of natural selection or evolution, then it doesn't make sense, because that theory posits that the universe operates under the principle of "survival of the fittest". Only the strong will survive and evolve. Therefore, it doesn't matter whether humans murder other humans or rape other humans, since the reasoning is that if you cannot even defend yourself against that, then why should you continue living? And isn't this the basis for the Nazi regime or every other totalitarian government?

I don't really want to be pedantic about any of this. I just wanted to have some way to express my thoughts and opinions. So, do with this what you will, but hopefully, it gets you thinking as well.