The Total Depravity of Man: A Biblical Truth Seen in Modern Times

by Brother Carlton 
06/27/25
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The doctrine of Total Depravity, rooted in Scripture and affirmed by centuries of Christian teaching, proclaims a sobering reality: that every part of human nature—mind, will, emotions, and flesh—is corrupted by sin. While not every person becomes a murderer or predator, the biblical view is that apart from the grace of God, all are spiritually dead and morally incapable of pleasing Him.

The Apostle Paul puts it plainly in Romans 3:10–12:

“As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

Biblical Evidence for Total Depravity

This doctrine is not pessimistic—it’s realistic. Genesis 6:5 declares:

“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth,
and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

Later, Jeremiah 17:9 affirms this enduring condition:

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”

Sin is not just what we do; it's who we are apart from divine intervention. Ephesians 2:1 says,

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

This is not physical death, but spiritual—an utter inability to seek God or live righteously without the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit.

Modern Evidence: The Arizona Crucifixion

In 2025, a horrifying reminder of this doctrine unfolded in Arizona. A man named Adam Sheafe, 51, confessed to murdering Pastor William Schonemann, a 76-year-old retired clergyman, in a calculated act of crucifixion. This wasn’t a moment of passion—it was premeditated and symbolic. Sheafe claimed he was on a mission to “crucify” 14 religious leaders across 10 states, accusing them of “blaspheming God” by teaching the Trinity.

Whether driven by delusion or demonic influence, the act reveals the depths of human darkness. When the restraining hand of God is removed—or resisted—man's heart is capable of horrors unthinkable. This wasn’t a fictional horror movie—it was real. And it proves that depravity is not just historical; it is alive and active today.

Serial Killers and the Corruption of Conscience

Consider the long list of serial killers over the past 60+ years who’ve etched their names in infamy.

Charles Manson manipulated his followers into committing gruesome murders in 1969, claiming a twisted spiritual vision. He believed he was the embodiment of both Christ and Satan.

Ted Bundy, outwardly charming and educated, raped and murdered dozens of women across several states. Before his execution, he admitted that pornography and moral decay fed his compulsions.

Richard Ramirez, known as the “Night Stalker,” broke into homes and brutally killed innocent people in the 1980s. He openly declared allegiance to Satan and laughed during his trial.

David Berkowitz, the “Son of Sam,” brought fear to New York City in the 1970s. He later confessed that demonic voices influenced his behavior.

Then there’s Dorothea Puente, the elderly woman in Sacramento, California, who in the 1980s poisoned her elderly tenants and buried them in her yard—all while continuing to collect their Social Security checks. Beneath her grandmotherly appearance lay a conscience seared and corrupted.

These are not isolated incidents—they are windows into what humanity is capable of when untethered from God’s moral law.

Why This Matters

Understanding total depravity doesn’t mean we give up hope—it means we stop placing ultimate trust in human goodness. As the Psalmist writes in Psalm 14:3:

“They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy: there is none that doeth good, no, not one.”

The doctrine should drive us to humility—and to Christ. For while man is totally depraved, he is not beyond hope. That’s the beauty of the gospel:

“But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)”
(Ephesians 2:4–5)

Conclusion

The crucifixion of an Arizona pastor, the trail of serial killers through modern history, and the hidden crimes of everyday people all scream the same truth: mankind is deeply broken. The solution is not better education, more money, or stricter laws. The solution is spiritual rebirth—made possible only through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Until the heart is changed, the soul remains captive. And that’s why the gospel is not just good news—it’s the only hope for a world full of depraved hearts.

Brother Carlton ministers the gospel to the Los Angeles area. Formerly a Hollywood actor, SAG member, and property cleanup expert, he now spends most of his time studying the Scriptures and helping small businesses grow more profitably using world-class tactics and strategies. He also offers inspirational speaking to help entrepreneurs and individuals achieve greater success. If you're a business owner looking to increase revenue, attract more customers, or need a dynamic speaker for your next event, contact Carlton at [email protected].  Put help in the subject line.