Good, bad, or somewhere in between?

Watch just a few of my friend’s Instagram stories and you’ll quickly pick up on the theme of her content: “horrible people being horrible.” From politicians to fellow patrons in the grocery store, she regularly features people behaving badly—sometimes for laughs, but often for criticism.

There’s an assumption with her posts that some people are just awful. But what do you believe? Is the unkindness, rudeness, or cruelty we see in the world just the way some people are, and the kindness, mercy, and compassion we see in others the result of a better upbringing, or better DNA?

One of the most powerful things I’ve learned from my study of Christian Science is that each one of us is fundamentally and genuinely good. And yet, when you look at the people around you, it sure seems like there’s a whole range: that some are good, some are bad, and others are somewhere between. So how can Christian Science say something like that—that each individual is created good and must always be good?

Enjoy 1 free Sentinel article or audio program each month, including content from 1898 to today.

TeenConnect: UpFront
‘An army of pray-ers’
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#metoo
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Prepared to help
TeenConnect: UpFront
You’re included
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What matters most
TeenConnect: UpFront
Where do you live?
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Essay due? Prayer can help.
TeenConnect: UpFront
Who cares if I’m spiritual?
TeenConnect: UpFront
School shootings: What can we do?
TeenConnect: UpFront
Are you being manipulated?
TeenConnect: UpFront
Use your ‘superpower’
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Stress-free—right now
TeenConnect: UpFront
Help stop the spread of fear
TeenConnect: UpFront
Is this for real?

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