貌离神合之二种人性论:孟子性善论与基督教“原罪”说

Two Humanity Theories Appeared Differently Outwardly but Consistent at Heart: Good-in-Nature Theory of Mencius and Theory of Original Sin of Christianity

吾人多以孟子性善论同基督教"原罪"说为二种截然相反、根本冲突、不可调和之人性论,然而,事实上二者不仅不存在冲突,反而颇具一致性。二者均以人最原初之本性为善,善因本性之外的缘由而未得彰显,表现为不善;通过自身努力以待超自然的天命或者上帝的恩典,期望得以知天命、达到自我完善的境界。当然,至于最终能否真正实现这一理想境界,则要取决于超自然的天命或上帝。

It is generally accepted that there is fundamental conflict between two humanity theories,good-in-nature theory of Mencius and theory of original sin of Christianity.However,these two theories of humanity are highly consistent.Both of them illustrate that the natural instinct of humanity is good,though,it may appear as not good by external causes.One could recover the good which is a natural instinct of humanity and make himself perfect by making his own efforts and waiting for supernatural power,i.e.the Heaven to Mencius or the God to Christianity.Nonetheless,whether or not one can reach this goal should be determined by the Heaven or the God.