Biblical Interpretation of the Nature vs. Nurture Debate

¶ … nature vs. nurture has been a significant topic for discussion throughout the entire history of human civilization, starting with the Greek philosophers and continuing with the Biblical Judeo-Christian tradition. This paper aims to look at this debate from a Biblical perspective. It analyzes components of human psychology, look at foundations and progression of psychology. It takes into consideration a diverse portfolio of research papers that have been written on this topic, so as to conclude that the nature part is favored by the Bible, but that this is not an exclusive approach. The nurture component is recognized and the Christian faith actually proposes a nuanced model, in which the two are complementary.

Introduction

The nature vs. nurture discussion has been ongoing even before the Christian period, with Greek philosophers like Plato addressing the issue. The idea whether individuals are shaped by their society and environment or by the genes that run in the family and in the species is key to understanding what a human being truly is.

With Christianity, this topic has achieved new dimensions. There are several aspects to be addressed, including the mentions in the Bible regarding the creation and the fact that human beings are made after God's image, the sin factor and, overall, whether individual actions can be judged depending on the nature or as affected by the elements of nurture that affected the original creation.

This paper aims to present and discuss issues related to the nature vs. nurture debate from a biblical perspective. The paper will look at relevant theories regarding the foundations and progression of personality, and will use segments from the Bible to refer to the debate. It will analyze relevant aspects and writings from the Psalms and the Books in order to conclude on whether either nature or nurture is the main driver in human action.

As a thesis, this research paper proposes to defend the hypothesis that, despite the fact that nature seems to be favored in the Bible as the fundamental driver, a Christian compromise is to accept the fact that nurture plays just as an important role in the evolution of an individual.

Foundations of Personality

This part of the research paper will look at the components or foundations of personality, starting with the work that Myerson () has undertaken in this field. This work presents a comprehensive view on the personality, including the environmental basis of character (namely the nurture component of psychology) and the organic basis of character (the nature part).

Mental aspects of individual personality

Emotional aspects of individual personality

Social aspects of individual personality

Physical aspects of individual personality

Moral aspects of individual personality

Spiritual aspects of individual personality

Progression of Personality

Nature vs. Nurture

The "nature" of the individual in the Bible

This subchapter will look at some of the important aspects of human nature, as understood from the Bible. Although profoundly religious, Gousmett's view (1996) is a good starting point, as he discusses what human nature is and presents the human dualism. In the context of this paper, it is interesting to analyze whether one could argue that, as an individual is a dual being, there could be a part affected by nature (nature as the main driver) and another affected by nurture (nurture as the main driver).

An even more extensive argumentation is presented by Pinker (2002), although the purpose of his research is actually different. He starts by looking at the Judeo-Christian theory that separates human beings from animals. He points out that this theory on nature is the most popular theory of human nature in the United States, but moves from the religious theory of human nature, which, although amply presented, is not his topic.

"Nurture"-related aspects in the Bible

Nature vs. Nurture -- where does the Bible stand

This subchapter of the research paper will aim to look, in a more comprehensive manner, at the debate nature vs. nurture as understood from the Bible. It will take into consideration some of the primary aspects of the debate, reuniting the arguments that have been presented in the previous two parts of this chapter. It will aim to have a holistic, comprehensive perspective on things, understanding how this topic has evolved in the presentation of Christian faith over time.

Conclusion

The conclusion will resume some of the arguments that have been previously presented, including in terms of the foundations of psychology. It will use the argument that there are parts of the individual psychology that are likely to be more influenced by nature elements, while others are, in fact, closer to the nurture part of the debate.