“Acknowledge, O man, your dignity; acknowledge the glory of the human condition.” The above words were spoken by Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th century Cistercian monk who became one of the wisest and most powerful figures of history. Bernard recognized the inherent goodness and potential of mankind.
Unfortunately, that idea is lost to the evangelists who have been preaching on campus for several weeks.
The days of Jonathan Edwards, Cotton Mathers, and other spewers of the theology of hellfire and damnation are over. Instead, Christianity needs to return to the understanding, loving Apostolic times when the Apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, “Be joyful always.”
Living joyfully entails accepting and embracing our human nature, to enjoy the simple pleasures of being human. Any evangelist who claims, “You have no time for bars or chasing boys and girls,” is a victim of negative anthropology and does not appreciate the human condition.
Perhaps he has forgotten that the founder of his religion attended feasts, parties, weddings and a plethora of social events. He enjoyed travel, debate, fishing and friendship.
Granted, his was not an unconditionally joyous life-he also experienced passion, suffering, anger and sorrow, all human emotions. But the message he preached and lived by was one of joy and love.
Bernard of Clairvaux’s positive anthropology shifted the fundamental ordering principle of the universe from justice to love. For him, love governed all and Christianity was the earthly embodiment of love.
Unfortunately, such a noble world-view dissolved at the end of the Middle Ages. The followers of the religion founded on love became some of the most judgmental because they began viewing the human being contemptuously. Man was no longer a beloved creation but a sinner deserving of hell.
John Calvin preaches in his Institutes of Christian Religion that original sin corrupts man utterly in terms of his intellect and will; the results of the fall are frightful. Man no longer has free will-he is inevitably drawn to evil and enslaved by sin, thereby becoming abhorrent to God. His nature at birth is hateful and worthy of damnation.
In response to the Reformation, the Catholic Church convened the Council of Trent. After this council, the world moved from being governed by love to being governed by law.
God became a judge instead of a lover. Spirituality became anti-intellectual as pessimism, confusion, uncertainty and despair engulfed the Christian world. The effects of this negative anthropology can be seen today in all Christian denominations.
One needs look no further than the free speech area between the YMCA building and George Hall to see a contemptuous view of man. To live with this negative attitude is a rejection of the foundation of the Christian religion.
We live in an age in which organized religion is being disregarded more and more. Therefore, it is imperative for the survival of Christianity that its members once again adopt a positive anthropology.
Should our culture embrace a positive anthropology, our lives would become much more pleasant.
Going to a bar would not be viewed as abominable creatures gratifying their lower natures. Rather we would be able to look at it as human beings going to share stories and fellowship. Dancing, eating and drinking wine can be taken to extremes, but enjoyed moderately they are a blessing and celebration of life.
This life does not have to be all trials and tribulations, with a reward waiting only at the end. According to Medieval Reformers, paradise cannot come to earth, but we ought to act as if it is possible.
The Apostolic leaders, High Medievalists and Humanists understood that Christianity implies a positive anthropology. Man is essentially good. He has faults and will inevitably fall at times, but he never losses his dignity. They understood that Christianity is a fulfillment of Classical virtue.
The Classical thinkers strove for contentment through a combination of the primogenia (strength, health, etc), the four cardinal virtues and a mix of public affairs and philosophy. Christianity infuses this sturdy background with love and joy.
Christianity and Christian civilization would profit from a return to a positive anthropology and appreciation of the human condition. Julian of Norwich tells us, “the greatest gift we can give God is to live joyfully in the knowledge of His love for us.”
Ryan Starrett is a senior history major. He can be reached at [email protected].