Does Scripture support the popular idea that humans are born with a particular inclination towards a behavior?

Answer 1

It depends how "Scripture" is defined.

Christian Views

Answer 1

The Bible clearly states we are created in the 'image and likeness' of God (see Genesis 1:26) and that the children of Adam - and all thereafter - are born in like manner (see Genesis 5:3). Each human is born unique and free of sin which soon changes with all the inputs of life - good and bad - with many choosing bad that becomes a predisposition, even a propensity in human living.

Today, there is a growing 'advertising' attempt to justify erroneous learned behavior as being acceptable by societies due to it being a genetic trait of sorts. But to date, the preponderance of scientific research does not support any 'brain' or 'chromosome' defects/abnormalities associated with or causing said behavior.

In other words, no human is born predisposed to becoming a liar, thief, sluggard, gay, athlete, etc.

Answer 2

If I understand this question correctly... then, yes. Although there is some argument among the populace as to "what that particular inclination" might be.

The question is "ages old": 'Is man basically good or evil?"

The Scriptural answer to the question is that "man is basically EVIL! "

"For the sinful nature [the natural, carnal mind of man - KJV] is ALWAYS HOSTILE TO GOD. It never did obey God's laws, and IT NEVER WILL." (Rom.8:7 NLT New Living Translation)

Which is why the Bible points to a future time when mankind must undergo a CHANGE IN HIS NATURE:

"...let me tell you a WONDERFUL SECRET God has revealed to us. Not all of us will die, but WE WILL ALL BE TRANSFORMED. It will happen in a moment, in the blinking of an eye..." (I Cor.15:51-52 NLT).

The popular argument will continue to rage among men: is man basically good or basically bad. Scripture, however, assures us that; "man is naturally selfish and rebellious to any kind of authority, beit the laws of God or man."

So the True biblically revealed inclination of man's behavior is that: "Man is naturally EVIL... but he likes to think he's GOOD."

Answer 3

In Christianity, it is believed that a person is born with Original Sin as in Romans 5:12, 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, and elsewhere in the New Testament.

Jewish Views

Answer 1

In Judaism, it is believed that a person is born neutral. However, this comes out of Rabbinical Commentaries and the Oral Law more than it does from the Tanakh or Jewish Bible. The Tanakh does hold that individuals are born with a Yetzer Ha-Ra (Genesis ch.8) or "Evil Desire" which is closer to a hedonistic impulse than a wicked impulse.

Answer 2

The Talmud does say (Sabbat 156a) that people have inborn behavioral inclinations. But it also says that these can be overcome. See also Deuteronomy 30:15-20.

Islamic Views

Answer 1

In Islam, the typical belief is that souls are born neutral as born out in Q: 91:7-8. There is also Q: 12:53, which claims that souls are naturally evil, but given that this is a line uttered by Zuleikha about God, its truthfulness is suspect.