Editing Misanthropy (section)

=== Religion ===
[[File:Michiel Coxie - Original Sin - WGA05581.jpg|thumb|upright=0.6|alt=Painting "Original Sin" by Michael Coxcie|Focus on the sinful nature of human beings is one form of misanthropy. According to [[Christian doctrine]], the [[original sin]] of [[Adam and Eve]] is responsible when they ate from the forbidden tree.]]
Some misanthropic views are also found in religious teachings. In [[Christianity]], for instance, this is linked to the [[sin]]ful nature of humans and the widespread manifestation of sin in everyday life.{{sfn|Gibson|2017|pp=28–9}} Common forms of sin are discussed in terms of the [[seven deadly sins]]. Examples are an excessive sense of self-importance in the form of [[Pride (sin)|pride]] and strong sexual cravings constituting [[Lust (sin)|lust]]. They also include the tendency to follow [[Greed (sin)|greed]] for material possessions as well as being [[Envy|envious]] of the possessions of others.{{sfn|Kastenbaum|2003|loc=[https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/christianity/christianity-general/seven-deadly-sins Seven Deadly Sins]}} According to the doctrine of [[original sin]], this flaw is found in every human being since the doctrine states that human nature is already tainted by sin from birth by inheriting it from Adam and Eve's rebellion against God's authority.{{sfn|Gibson|2017|pp=28–9}}{{sfn|Hale|Thorson|2007|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=c91CuCqCM80C&pg=PT54 46]}} [[John Calvin]]'s theology of [[Total depravity]] has been described by some theologians as misanthropic.{{sfn|Sarvis|2019|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=bwiaDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA8 8]}}{{sfn|Alger|1882|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=cSFOAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA109 109]}}{{sfn|Goodliff|2017|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=sdXYDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA108 108]}}

Misanthropic perspectives can also be discerned in various [[Buddhist]] teachings. For example, [[Buddha]] had a negative outlook on the widespread flaws of human beings, including lust, hatred, delusion, sorrow, and despair.{{sfn|Cooper|2018|p=4}} These flaws are identified with some form of craving or attachment ([[taṇhā]]) and cause suffering ([[dukkha]]).{{sfn|Cooper|2018|pp=6–7}}{{sfn|Morgan|2010|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=2vgbURej-qAC&pg=PA91 91]}} Buddhists hold that it is possible to overcome these failings in the process of achieving [[Buddhahood]] or enlightenment. However, this is seen as a difficult achievement, meaning that these failings apply to most human beings.{{sfn|Cooper|2018|p=56}}

However, there are also many religious teachings opposed to misanthropy, such as the emphasis on kindness and helping others. In Christianity, this is found in the concept of [[agape]], which involves selfless and unconditional love in the form of compassion and a willingness to help others.{{sfn|Catholic University of America|1967|loc=[https://www.encyclopedia.com/philosophy-and-religion/christianity/early-christianity/agape Agape]}} Buddhists see the practice of loving kindness ([[Maitrī|metta]]) as a central aspect that implies a positive intention of compassion and the expression of kindness toward all sentient beings.{{sfn|Aung|1996|p=E12}}{{sfn|Morgan|2010|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=2vgbURej-qAC&pg=PA138 138]}}