And how and where do you draw the line on those . . . who it sounds like have a significant degree of malice and aforethought . . .
how and where do you draw the line between those
vs
those with say a genetic extra umph from DNA thrill seeking genes and/or conditioning that has left them feeling more alive when there’s some excitement or drama going on—even if they have to create it?
—without any malice or aforethought about inflicting pain.
Again, I’ll have to give that one some thought.
That is an amazing question, though.
I would say: Whatever the cause, there is still the effect.
For that reason, I do believe that something missing and needing attention is the training of the will.
All of us, whether in a more fortunate state of mind and/or emotions as well as those in less fortunate states of mind, can benefit from learning to function better through the training of the will.
Not only is that sort of reining-in of impulsive behavior a Biblical calling (Bible verses too numerous to quote here and besides, a lot of people tend to skip over volumes of Bible verses sent in a given post); but it also would be a step forward in functioning practically in the grind of daily living that all of us experience.
In short, I guess I’m saying that where there is a will, there is a way.
Genetically, I can’t change the color of my eyes, or my Celtic roots, or that I am short when my siblings are tall. But I can will to change behavior that is damaging to important relationships.
Shouldn’t it be true that if we are professed Christians and have given our lives and fortune over to the good graces of the Lord with trust and confidence, that we should hope and even expect that He would help us with deficiencies of character that damages lives—our own and others?
(Of course, I know this does not address the sad situation of insanity, but I’m referring more to “personality disorders”—which seem to me is now the current way of categorizing difficult people.)
Here’s a PS
I am a convert to the Catholic Church. My roots are Protestant. My mother was Presbyterian. Whne she died, she left behind a tiny little leather-bound book—small enough to put in a pocket or purse. That little book left a profound influence on me. I suppose it’s possible to get it and read it on-line—I don’t know that for sure.
It was written by Henry Drummond and its title is “The Greatest Thing in the World”
I know little about Drummond except that he was born in Scotland, that he had, at one time at least, some affiliation with the Presbyterian church, that he associated in some context with Dwight Moody and that this work I refer to is one that he is well-known for.
No one can read that booklet without coming to the understanding of what it means to embrace our Redemption in Jesus Christ and to embrace His message and counsels to us and integrate them into every fiber of our being and living.