THE MYSTERIOUS CHARACTER OF MAN

PSALM 8

What is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?

(Psalm 8:4).

Today we begin a five-part study asking, “What is the nature of man?” It is one of the most profound of all questions. The French philosopher Pascal pointed out that man uniquely has the ability to reflect upon himself. Man has indeed investigated the world and has meditated upon God and the angels, but he has also devoted much effort to an examination of himself. “Man’s reflection upon the nature of man has produced an astonishing variety of views,” writes theologian G.C. Berkouwer.

Secular Views of Man

There are several views of man competing for our attention today. Some define man entirely in terms of biology. They wish to study the human body and chemistry, and from this differentiate man from “other animals.” Others see man as homo faber, man the maker. Man, they say, is unique because he makes things. Still others describe man as homo volens, willing man. Because man has a will and a choice, he is different from other beings.

Two of the most common approaches to man today are those of Marx and Freud. Karl Marx described man in terms of his economic position. Sigmund Freud described man in terms of his sexuality.

The Christian View of Man

The problem with each of these secular views is that they are reductionistic. Each position has a hold on an important truth about man, but each errs in holding that its perspective is the ultimate one. Christians need to be open to the good information provided by this research, but must not lose sight of the marvelous complexity of human existence.

What is basic and most distinctive about a Christian approach to man is this: That in all of man’s complexity, he is always man in relationship to God. Any attempt to isolate man from his relationship to God will inevitably result in a distorted understanding of who man is.

CORAM DEO

Modern cinema, television, music, and literature almost always portray people as motivated only by biological or social concerns. Study the media this week looking for spiritual concerns and motivations. Keep firmly in mind that the most important dimension of human life—and of your life—is your relationship to God.

For further study: Genesis 1:26–31; Hebrews 2:5–18

tuesday

april