Human Propensity to "Sin"

Right, I don't wish to engage in semantics, as that would valuable space. You are proceeding in a manner that I had anticipated. : ) Firstly, Divine Law would be the basis for the natural law of today. As far as history can predict, the Mosaic Code was one of the very first legal systems. Supposing that the Bible is the Divine Word of God, then the Mosaic Law and further assertions listed in it would thence be "Divine Law," also. The Common system of law today has encompassed the principles of the Mosaic Law. I can't spend much time proving that Divine Law exists, as this debate is not inherently about the existence of Divine Law - whether or not it exists is irrelevant to the arguments I outlined in the first round. As the reader can attest, and my opponent conceded, there are other definitions of "Sin. " This debate is not about the authenticity of the Bible, and thence I can't grant much space in proving its authoritative nature. As I have aforementioned, in that the Bible has been utilized by legal institutions as a framework is definitely reason enough to take the segments regarding morality and the law as "Correct" and "Profound. " One cannot possibly assert that common law was instituted before Biblical law or thereafter without it. I do not concede that those who weren't brought up to adhere to the law or moral standards are the exception. I will expound later. My opponent raises a valid point regarding the difference between moral perfection and natural sin. But, if we weren't natural sinners, why can't we be morally perfect? If human did not infringe the law or commit amoral acts, wouldn't we all be thoroughly sinless and upright denizens mirroring the flawless Garden of Eden? As has been proved throughout the history of mankind, humans are not guiltless. Indeed, we often attempt to uphold a moral belief according to the law, but is it not easier to succumb to sinful deeds in many situations? As an example, statistics for adolescent marijuana use has risen 275%. [1] Whether or not peer pressure (others influencing one to make an unlawful decision) is factored in, the rates of those who commit amoral activity have risen (As a note, marijuana smoking among teens is illegal, and thence a transgression of the law. On a second note, if humankind isn't prone to sin, why do people struggle with peer pressure? ). Humans are equipped with a "conscience" and typically some form of "moral value" (often in conjunction with the law). But if the law is all that dictates ethics, then what would occur if there is no law? Is the human propensity to sin the reason for legal structure? Of course! Without common law, the non-religious human possesses no moral value to uphold (even without the law, many fall to "sinful" desires, as that is the propensity of human nature). Many philosophers can't agree on how ethics are established, unless the dictates of the law or "consequences" can compel one to determine a proper decision. Thence, according to my opponent's reasoning, if there were not any "rules of society" to govern human and ensure that peace and lawful behaviour governed, human would act in a manner inconsistent with moral or ethical values - due to "natural sin" (to reiterate, even strong governance doesn't deter amoral behaviour among humans). As a brief testimony, consider the Red Army in Eastern Germany as they invaded in WWII - these were regular men during a harsh era, but they engaged in an appalling orgy of looting, raping and murdering. [6] My opponent requests that I prove that the human propensity to sin is hereditary. I will then refer to the young child. An infant is prone to poor behaviour of all sorts, and the mentor must resort to various forms of discipline to instruct and chastise the child - attempting to deter the child from acts of unacceptable behaviour and to inculcate into them known values (and thence to overrule the reigning propensity to act in an iniquitous manner). If one never disciplines or instructs a child, then the child will not result as a "Generally good" citizen. [2] To commence life in a reprehensible manner, then "natural sin" must be hereditary. Next, I think it will be appropriate that I introduce some moral questions and statistics in order to rebut the "rarity" of "sin" that my opponent supports. 1. "Human Propensity to Sin" is demonstrated effectively by the criminal underworld. North American prisons alone are filled with millions of felons. The United States places first as the nation with the most crime with 11,877,218 crimes committed on average per year. [3] I would hardly think this to be the exception - and this is in a society with legal systems, common law, religious principles and "family values. " The "good life" can be had in the "Land of Opportunity" without unlawful behaviour, so the human propensity to sin must be a factor. 2. Why does crime exist? Why are people amoral? Why do people lust for wealth to such means that they will illicitly attain it? Why, then, do people wilfully break the law or succumb to desire (from administering illicit substances to shoplifting)? 3. Why were laws created? Why has anarchy reigned in nations before? Why is there civil war and discontent with "Just" law? Why do people wish to infringe the law? Codes such as the Mosaic Law and the Law of Hammurabi were crucial to the ancients - to keep them from shameful activity and anarchy. And let us consider a portion of the scale of people affected by the criminal behaviour of others: "An estimated 27 million people are enslaved around the world, including an estimated 20 million people held in bonded labour (forced to work in order to pay off a debt, also known as 'debt bondage'). At least 700,000 people annually, and up to 2 million, mostly women and children, are victims of human trafficking worldwide (a modern form of slavery -- bought, sold, transported and held against their will in slave-like conditions). About 246 million, or 1 out of 6, children ages 5 to 17 worldwide are involved in child labor. Nearly three-fourths of these, about 180 million children, including 110 million under age 15, are exposed to the worst forms of, or hazardous, child labor. Some estimated 8.4 million children are trapped in the most abhorrent forms of child labour - slavery, trafficking, debt bondage, prostitution, pornography and other such activities. Women account for 70 percent of the world's people who live in absolute poverty. Worldwide, a quarter of all women are raped during their lifetime. Depending on the country, 25 to 75 percent of women are regularly beaten at home. " [5] If we were all naturally "good," then why do these problems exist? Why do nations suffer under despotic, corrupt and avaricious rulers? Even stable nations such as the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom have evicted their share of corrupt or scandalous rulers from Government positions. I shall thence conclude my arguments here and allow my opponent to contend. Thanks for perusing this far. It's been enjoyable. [1]: . http://teens.lovetoknow.com... [2]: . http://www.keepkidshealthy.com... [3] . http://www.mapsofworld.com... [4] . http://www.keepkidshealthy.com... [5]. http://www.worldrevolution.org... [6] . http://en.wikipedia.org... Some other Sites: . http://www.nationmaster.com... . http://www.forbes.com...