[malakhi]

Mankind is already destined for Hell.

We'll part company on this point; Judaism rejects the doctrine of original sin. But we also disagree with the Romantic view, exemplified by Rousseau, that man is basically good. The Jewish view is that we are in essence born morally neutral: we are capable of both good and evil, and are subject to both good and evil impulses. Which we choose is a free act of moral will. And we therefore bear moral responsibility for the choices we make.

[HarleyD]

"The Jewish view is that we are in essence born morally neutral: we are capable of both good and evil, and are subject to both good and evil impulses. Which we choose is a free act of moral will."

How do you reconcile the birth of Jeremiah? He was obviously not given the "choice" of his moral will.

Jeremiah 1:4-5 "Now the word of the LORD came to me saying, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations."

[D-fendr]

we are capable of both good and evil, and are subject to both good and evil impulses. Which we choose is a free act of moral will. And we therefore bear moral responsibility for the choices we make.

And the Lord said unto Cain, "Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and thou mayest (timshel) rule over him.