Blind Sure, But Not Gulible

From: Ethics Alarm

Jesus taught, "Can the blind lead the blind? shall they not both fall into the ditch?" He used this parable to explain the importance of knowing what you do in this life and using your own free will. It becomes more clear in the next verse when he says, "The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master" (Luke 6: 39-40).  Choosing your master will affect what you become and what becomes of you. 


Erasmus seemed (to me) to focus on blind faith and obedience to the church's doctrines. Much of his argument focused on the contradictions that can be found all throughout the scriptures. That man must follow a strict set of rules as outlined in the Old Testament. Man must be perfect. Yet the very will that man is given is what makes it possible for man to err. Why then, does God give man his will? He considers how every good work that man does is only possible because God had done it for him. So man can do no good. Man can only do evil and this, because of the gift of free will. Only God, through the spirit, can change a man’s heart and help him to stay in line with the one true will, God’s will.

This last point seems to be a focal point in Erasmus’ argument; only God can change a man. If no man can do good, then why do men follow the instruction of priests? If a man can get closer to eternal life only through the spirit, why must a man attend a sermon? Christian Humanism supports the idea that a man can continue on his spiritual path without guidance from a church or a leader because the individual must be the focus, not the whole. This causes not only a lack of need for the church but also a mistrust in the church because it is dependent on member dependency which is contrary to the idea of God being the only source. Although I believe that people around us can have an influence for good, narrowing our dependence is an important aspect to spiritual strength. Actively choosing upon whom we depend doesn't make us less blind, but does help us exercise our free will to choose to follow God.