According to Niebuhr, humankind exists in a dual state of finite and self-transcendence. Since we face our mortality and yet our ability to at times “go beyond” ourselves, human exists in a state of anxiety. To deal with this anxiety, we pursue pride to cover up our finitude resulting in self-justification, self-rationalization, and the stereotyping of the oppressed. We also pursue sensuality to abdicate responsibility resulting in resentment, rebellion, and repression. Consequently, human sin is making self efforts to cover up their finitude without trusting God. To combat sin, we should correct our sins by mutual support in the community.
