Prof. Ma Corazon T. Unas Institute of Religion
• Man tends to ask the why’s of things as he grows older… why do we study? why is it difficult to be good? why do we need to listen to others? Many will give answers… but all of them boils down to one source and goal… all are directly or indirectly related to the HUMAN PERSONthe center of all. But MAN is a paradox- hard to understand, each individual is a complex being with different traits, yet whole. The need to study man is basic.
• There are characteristics which all human persons possess and exhibit: • I. Relation to oneself a. embodied spirit- body and soul- of all God’s created beings, we are the only one who have the spiritual power to reason and freely act according to our own will. Human persons are both limited at the same time transcendent. We have the capacity to go beyond any particular limitation.
• b. unique- being self-transcending, we are unique, original. We keep changing by constant questioning and choosing freely for ourselves. • c. oriented to goodness- it is our natural tendency to seek the good. We avoid anything which will harm us and pursue things we perceive us good. Our natural gifts- intellect and will are to be used in order for us to relate to others, to be fulfilled in life and to come to full life with others.
• d. ambivalence- although we are born with dignity and gifts to do good, we are inclined also to do evil. Accdg to St Paul, this is due to the disorder of our own appetite which leads us to sin. We have to look for guidance, and sound education to know the real truth. • e. conscience- the voice of God in us, “telling us do good and avoid evil”
• II. Relation to others “No man is an island”. Every person is oriented to other people. Facts: Our parents were responsible for our being here. Our natural faculties to communicate with others. The fear of being alone. We are like gems that shine more in the company of others.