Articles
Optimism vs. Pessimism
Is Christianity optimistic or pessimistic? In spite of the seeming contradiction, it seems that there are elements of both found in the corpus of Biblical writings. We must first recognize that optimism and pessimism can be connected with personality. Some people just seem to have a sunnier disposition toward life; others see the shadows and what might be hidden in them. This is likely a combination of genetics, parental nurture and experiences one encounters along the way.
Webster’s defines optimism as: 1) a doctrine that this world is the best possible world, and 2) an inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and events or to anticipate the best possible outcome.
It defines pessimism as: 1) an inclination to emphasize adverse aspects, conditions, and possibilities or to expect the worst possible outcome, 2a) the doctrine that reality is essentially evil, and 2b) the doctrine that evil overbalances happiness in life.
Regarding each of these concepts, the Christian will have perspectives that people of the world will not: the existence of a living, righteous creator-God who has a significant hand in earthly affairs – and always has done so. Viewing our existence through this prism will affect the way we assess reality and interpret the possibilities of the future.
Let’s consider pessimism first. In Webster’s definition we can eliminate 2a immediately. While it is true that evil is certainly a feature of this world – sometimes a strong one – it is also true that the world is blessed with much goodness. In fact, taking the broadest view possible, it is a small fraction of humanity that wreaks havoc on the rest; it is a small fraction of humanity that is plagued with disease (as explosive population growth has demonstrated in the past several decades); it is a small cross-section of the world’s inhabitants who are killed in natural catastrophes such as floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and such. Not to minimize any of these for they do cause much injury, grief and suffering around the globe, but evil is often sensationalized.
Webster’s 2b definition seems subjective, but it may seem true on the surface based on certain life experiences. Many human beings throughout history have wasted away in dungeons and gulags or were outright murdered by oppressive regimes. Others have spent the entirety of their lives wracked with illness that has kept them chained to hospitals, medicines, surgeries and/or in a state of incapacitation. The evil these have experienced may have overwhelmed any sense of true happiness. But it is not unusual to hear those who suffer such things speak of moral clarity, acts of grace and kindness and the true meaning of life by the afflictions they have endured. So, again, to say that “evil overbalances happiness in life” is too sweeping a statement and does not capture reality.
Webster’s first definition of pessimism is also subjective, beginning with “an inclination …”. It may be that some are inclined by their Eeyorish outlook to always see the negative. However, acquaintance with Scripture may direct us to negative expectations in some situations. Jeremiah was criticized for his “pessimistic” outlook: “Please, let this man be put to death, for thus he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, by speaking such words to them. For this man does not seek the welfare of this people, but their harm” (Jer 38:4; cf. also chs 26, 28). To Jewish nobles Jeremiah’s words sounded pessimistic, even treasonous. But whether or not the great prophet spoke words of comfort or encouragement, what he related was truth.
And this leads us to another word – realism. What is revealed in God’s word is ultimate realism. The Holy Spirit, the origin of revelation, tells it like it is. We may find such truths uncomfortable, anxiety-inducing or even condemning of our thoughts and actions, but it is how we choose to respond to those truths that makes us an optimist or a pessimist. Consider these “pessimistic” truths and their “optimistic” perspectives from the NT:
Mt 7:13-14 – “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” The “remnant principle” – the truth that only the minority are on God’s side – is found throughout Scripture: eight saved from the flood; two adults from Egypt entered the promised land; only a fraction returned after captivity, etc. How can we be assured that we belong to the remnant of the saved? Only by honestly examining our- selves in the mirror of Scripture and pursuing a genuine relationship with God on His terms (cf. Heb 4:12-13; Jn 8:31-32; Mt 7:24-29; Mt 22:34-40; etc.). No one will “accidentally” end up in either heaven or hell; we will receive the eternal fate that we chose. Therefore, choose wisely.
1 Pet 5:8 – “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” We are being hunted by an adversary more cunning, intelligent and powerful than we are. This can create heavy anxiety, perhaps even paranoia. Where is the optimism in this terrifying truth? God’s word describes Satan’s nature (predatory/evil), tactics (deception/enticement) and history (he always defeats man). We have the devil’s playbook; but we also have the word of God for strength, wisdom and motivation to understand and withstand our enemy. Satan is indeed powerful, but we are not helpless.
2 Tim 4:9-10, 16 – “Be diligent to come to me quickly; for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world … At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.” What sad words! The great apostle who had sacrificed so much for the sake of others was now abandoned and alone on death row. We all have friends who have forsaken us; once faithful brethren who are now apostate; preachers and elders we respected who have fallen prey to the “roaring lion.” And if Paul faced death alone, what horror might the future hold for me? Paul, himself, gives us the answer: “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me … and the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom” (2 Tim 4:17-18). The reality is that life is full of stresses and fears, but optimism inheres in the truth that we do not navigate the pathway alone. Our hope comes from God and His help, not some fake sunny disposition that ignores the real dangers and difficulties of life. The “positive attitude” of pop psychology sets us up for the very fall that we dread.
