Hello,

Are we programmed to be the way we are or are we a clean blank slate (tabula rasa)? Immanuel Kant was known for

his work in metaphysics, however, he was very influential in Western philosophy. Kant argued that we are not born with a blank slate and rejected that we are born pure (McCormick, n.d.).

However, Albig (n.d.) argues that while determinism exists, the way in which we handle, or our attitudes and choices are what make the difference. If we ponder this argument, we have to also consider the Christian World View.

The Bible tells us that we are made perfect by God: "So God created man in His own image, in the image of God created He

him; male and female created He them." (Genesis 1:27) However, scripture also teaches us that our environment (i.e. parents) can influence the person we become. Proverbs 22:6 says "Train up a child in the way he should go, and even

when he is old he will not depart from it."

On the other hand, preformationism says we were born to sin because our descendants ate fruit from the Tree of Knowledge.

So, which is it? What do you believe, and how can we possibly argue one over the other? Any thoughts?