奥古斯丁和尼布尔的人性论比较

A Comparison of the Theory of Human Nature between Augustine and Niebuhr

人性论问题是基督教思想史上一个重要的研究领域.对人的本质属性和人的存在处境的认识和分析,对人与上帝、人与人以及人与自然之间关系的研究最终都指向一个目的,即更深地认识人.奥古斯丁和尼布尔是基督教思想史上两位声名显赫的思想家、神学家,二人对“人性”问题的阐释各有千秋.奥古斯丁认为,人是理性的存在物,人由于骄傲,滥用上帝赋予的自由意志犯罪堕落,并且这一原罪具有决定性的遗传意义.尼布尔则将基督教的传统教义和人类的现实处境结合起来,认为人兼有精神的超越性和自然的有限性,从而不可避免地产生焦虑,进而在受到引诱的时候走向犯罪.他们生活的年代虽相隔久远,但对人性的洞见却既有相似又有截然迥异之处.

The theory of human nature is one of the most important research fields in the history of Christian thought Research that relates to the understanding and analysis of human essential attributes and human existence,studies on the relationships between man and God,between man and man,and between man and the nature,all of these eventually point to one common purpose:that is to deepen the understanding of human.As outstanding thinkers and theologians in the history of Christian thought,Augustine and Niebuhr hold different views on the issue of human nature.Augustine believes human beings are rational existence and that it is the abuse of the God-given free will out of pride that leads them to fall.He believes that this original sin has a decisive genetic significance.Niebuhr,however,examines traditional Christian doctrines under the context of realistic situation of human beings.He states that human beings,with both spiritual transcendence and natural limits,will thus inevitably feel anxious and be led to sin when tempted.Their thoughts on human nature are both similar and vastly different although they lived far apart.