Human Nature: Anthropology, Sociology, Psychology

Human Nature

• Anthropology: studies human beings worldwide, describing their evolutionary history, behavior, and adaptation to environments; also examines how people communicate and socialize.
• Sociology: examines social relationships and institutions, including crime, religion, family, and state.
• Psychology: studies mental processes and behaviors, including memories, dreams, thoughts, and emotions; considers human behavior as evidence of brain functionality.

Secular Approaches to Human Nature

• Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679): humans are naturally selfish, and life without societal control is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short".
• Sigmund Freud (1856-1936): human behavior is a constant conflict between primal desires (id), internalized societal norms (superego), and the mediating force of reason (ego).
• Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900): the primary human drive is the "will to power," and superior individuals should dominate inferior ones.

Three Notions of the Human Being

• Humans are spirits trapped inside a body: Some believe humans are primarily spiritual beings, but bodies limit their potential.
• Humans have no spiritual dimension: Some believe humans have no spiritual nature and are merely sophisticated animals.
• Humans are united in body and spirit (Catholic Approach): This approach believes that what is good for the body is also good for the spirit.

Christian Anthropology

• To be human is to be a person created in the image and likeness of God.
• The person is essentially good but capable of evil.
• Body, mind, and spirit are to be cherished and developed in a life of balance and integration.
• Interdependence with others and community are more fulfilling than isolation and self-sufficiency.
• Each person has inherent rights, freedoms, and responsibilities.
• People are capable of lifelong growth and acting as agents of creation.
• Moral compass and conscience help humans choose the moral over the immoral.
• Humans are called to love and be loved, and have a purpose that extends beyond themselves.

Genesis, Creation, and the Trinity

• God created humans in his image.
• Humans are a mixture of Earth and divine breath, possessing finite and infinite qualities.
• Humans are created good.
• Humans are male and female, of equal value.

The Gospels

• Gospels are good news about Jesus's birth, life, death, and resurrection.
• Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) share similar material, showing some differences in emphasis.
• Two-source Hypothesis proposes that Matthew and Luke used Mark and another lost source (Q) as their basis.
• John's Gospel has a different perspective on Jesus, emphasizing his divinity.
• Jesus is the obedient servant of God; a teacher who spoke of compassion; the Son of Man with compassion; and, divine.

The Story of Jesus and Beyond

• Mary is perpetual virgin, and Immaculate Conception.
• Holy Spirit acts in humans and creation, empowering people.
• Pentecost Sunday commemorates the sending of the Holy Spirit.

Sacraments

• Baptism: initiation into the Christian community, symbolizing purification and new life.
• Eucharist: remembrance of Jesus' sacrifice; symbolic of Christ's body and blood.
• Confirmation: sealing of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
• Reconciliation: forgiveness for sins, connecting with God and community.
• Anointing of the Sick: providing consolation to the sick.
• Holy Orders: calling by God to be a priest or bishop.
• Marriage: mutual self-giving between a couple.

Catholic Social Teachings

• Human Dignity: All human life is sacred and has inherent dignity, protected from conception to natural death.
• Rights and Responsibilities: Human dignity and a healthy community are protected by human rights and responsibilities.
• Peace: Striving for peace and justice in society through dialogue and conflict resolution.
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable: Prioritizing the needs of those in society who are most vulnerable and marginalized.
• Solidarity: Unity and responsibility for one another as a global human family.
• Common Good: Organizing society in a way that upholds human dignity and allows for growth.
• Role of Government: The State has the responsibility to assist in promoting human dignity, protecting human rights, and building the common good.
• Stewardship of Creation: Caring for people and the planet as God's creations.
• Dignity of Work: Serving people, not the other way around as in a market economy. Workers deserve fair wages and safe working conditions.
• Participation: Supporting the common good by engaging in economic, political, and cultural life.

Culture and the Influences of Our Society

• Individualism: A cultural emphasis on individual freedom and rights over community.
• Consumerism: Excessive preoccupation with acquiring material goods.
• Media: A powerful tool that influences thought patterns and perceptions.
• Sexuality: Sexual feelings, thoughts, attractions, and behaviors. Sexualization is evaluating individuals based on physical characteristics and objectifying them.
• Pornography: Objectifies people, damaging love and genuine connections.

Effective Communication

• Approach communication with others in a respectful and open manner.

Key Terms and Concepts

• Defining terms relating to religion, culture, and society This list is comprehensive but specific terms may vary depending on the focus of the study, context, and chosen school of thought.