That’s an interesting (and practical) way to put it.
I’ve always viewed human nature through the Biblical lens, original sin, as it’s stated above.
There is a common goal, I believe, to change, or improve human nature. Those who want to “participate” in utopia may be sincere about doing this. Those who want to be in charge of this change have no such illusions - they understand human nature and only want to take advantage of “the faithful”.
Secular methods often start with saying that people are basically “good”, and we just need to make sure that there’s nothing that will make people do bad things. If we eliminate all “want”, for instance, there will be no need to steal...
Other secular folks are more inclined to have a sort of “religion” that says we can encourage folks to behave - to appeal to their better natures, so to speak.
Christians, too, want human nature to be changed, but many who think they are Christians are not - Spanish Inquisitors, at the most horrible end of the spectrum, and Prosperity, or “feel-good” Preachers with a more peaceful, or naive, technique. The comment about those who crave control goes for these pretend Christians, too.
Christians who understand the teachings of Christ know that human nature cannot really be changed - it must be replaced, by the nature of Christ, which can only be done by admitting our sin, accepting His forgiveness, and putting Him in charge of our lives (”making Him Lord”).
Such totally opposite world-views are what causes all the trouble. People desperately want to be right, and Christ says they can’t be unless they do it His way. Those who do not like to believe God is in charge will fight very hard.
Ping!
It’s especially interesting the ones that don’t believe the 7 years are coming.
I’m wondering if they’ll be deceived all the way through or will some of them wake up to the horror, especially at the mid-point.