Viewpoint Against Christianity

"I am someone who prides themselves on maintaining good conduct without needing the instruction of an external religious authority. In other words, I don’t need some preacher or nosy neighbor telling me what to do, or what not to do. It's pretty obvious. Murder and rape are wrong. Telling a lie is not good, unless perhaps if Nazis are at the door. Deliberately hurting others is unacceptable. In addition, I actively contribute to society, donating my time and money to worthy causes. I also make sacrifices for my family and friends, pay my taxes, and, with minor exceptions, observe the law. So why shouldn't I consider myself ‘a good person’? Maybe I don't really believe in heaven, but if I did, I think I would be walking right in along with all the other good folks like me, certainly ahead of the many Christian hypocrites I know. Well, maybe not at the front of the line alongside Mother Teresa. But . . . yes, I would measure up. I certainly wouldn’t deserve to be condemned to an eternal residence among thieves, murderers, and rapists.”

Justification for Why I Consider Myself “A Good Person” 

• My personal assessment is that I am basically a good person.
• While I may believe that there are exceptions to what Christians consider moral absolutes, . . . I have good moral/ethical values.
• I believe humanity is basically good, including me.
• My friends and family agree that I am a good person.
• I am a self-sufficient person and don’t need God or Jesus to cover for me.

Background Discussion

Maybe you are a “good person” by your own standards, or even by society’s rules. But, by whose rules are we to judge right and wrong, morally good and bad? Should we be judged by our own standard, or possibly societal laws? World War II clearly demonstrated that the Nazi standard of societal morality was seriously lacking. And as Clay Jones, Christian apologist and chairman of the board at Ratio Christi, once stated, “We are all Auschwitz enabled.” What could Dr. Jones possibly mean by such an inflammatory statement? Is there a single moral code that transcends individuals, societies, space, and time? Without such a benchmark, how can we be confident we haven't stepped outside the boundaries, separating ourselves from the laws of our Creator? There are many logical reasons we might consider ourselves good people, but are we really?  

You may not believe in the Christian concept of “original sin” (our inherent nature for wrongful conduct), but you can see that as humans we seem to be prone to misdeeds to one extent or another, even if it’s as simple as periodically lashing out at a loved one or overlooking someone in need. What if because of our flawed humanity, as well as our failures, we’re now unable—by ourselves—to qualify to enter eternal paradise (heaven)? What if someone had to intervene to compensate for our personal failures and fallen human nature? These principles are at the core of the Christian story, and no real Christian believes any of us is capable of meeting God’s standards on our own. None, not even “a good person” or saint like Mother Teresa.

Some Possible Explanations as to Why, I May Not Be Good Enough 

• Our personal guidelines for life are not in sync with that of our Creator.
• Could I possibly be rationalizing my own failures?
• Are my motives, thoughts, and actions worthy of condemnation?
• Am I guilty of inaction in view of individual or societal needs? 
• Are all humans inherently flawed? (i.e., because of our common Adam & Eve existential/moral DNA)
• Can I really make it to heaven on my own, or do I need assistance?

If you view yourself as a morally sound individual who does not require any assistance to improve, you may want to reconsider your self-confidence in this regard. As Mother Angelica, a Catholic nun and former television host once observed, “Lethargy is another evil of our day. There are many who are not guilty of doing anything wrong, but very guilty of sins of omission, the things they neglect to do—the good things—the kind, thoughtful words, compassionate thoughts, and hopeful attitudes they might have had towards their neighbor.”

If you have suspicions of your own weakness and failures and would like to consider moving to a higher plain, please take your time and peruse this topic via the sources below. Explore why our efforts to be a good person may not be adequate to fulfill God’s purpose for our life within the Christian story, and how Jesus Christ is uniquely able to remedy the situation.

Please click on the links to videos, documents, quotes, and books regarding further resources on how I might be a “Good Person” but not good enough. If you haven’t already, please consider making the Christian Decision and entering into the Christian story.