The Fall's Problems Addressed | by Emory Cooper

In the readings provided for the class held on October 5, the authors address different topics, and each of the three may seem to have little in common with the other two. There is one point, however, upon which all the works ultimately come to bear: the effect of the fallen state of mankind. First, this point is most evident in the words of John Wesley. To quote, "it is now quite unfashionable to talk otherwise, to say anything to the disparagement of human nature; which is generally allowed, not withstanding a few infirmities, to be very innocent, and wise, and virtuous! | But, in the meantime, what must we do with our Bibles?   for they will never agree with this." (The Natural Condition of The Natural Man, par. 3-4.)

Second, one can distinguish the fall's effects in Richard Baxter's description of man's propensity to neglect a heavenly outlook on life, because it his hard to go against the laziness of his depraved flesh. "But to separate our thoughts and affections from the world...till the work prospers in our hands; this is the difficulty...Canst thou get that earthly heart to heaven, and bring that backward mind to God, while thou liest still and takest thine ease? If lying down at the foot of the hill...would serve the turn, then we should have daily travellers to heaven." (How to Lead a Heavenly Life on Earth; FIRST, 6.)

Third, John Toland says this: "The New Testament...must consequently agree with Natural Reason...The Apostles...appeal to every Man's Reason...Now to what purpose serv'd all these Appeals...if the Doctrines of Christ were incomprehensible, contradictory; or were we obliged to receive reveal'd Nonsense?" (Christianity Not Mysterious, par. 6 from end.) This quote reminds me of where the Bible says that, because of the fall, men "became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools" (Romans 1:21-22); also, where it says "we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness...Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men" (1 Corinthians 1:23-25). So even in those with whom Toland as well as Paul are contending, the fall has clouded their reason and traded it for madness. I wonder what John Milton would have thought of these writings...

[I commented on the posts by the Emmas, Dalgety and Landry.]

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