Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Critique of Nietzsche Beyond Good and Ev
Critique of Nietzsche Beyond Good and Ev
Nietzsche, Friedrich. Beyond Good and Evil: Prelude to a philosophy of the Future.
Translated by R. J. Hollingdale. London: Penguin Books, 2003.
INTRODUCTION
It is unclear, many times, how much influence an author will have on subsequent
his own lifetime, his books have rarely gone out of print since his death. This may be due
to the fact that his writings were truly progressive and ahead of their time. With an
One may wonder, and rightly so, how much of what Nietzsche wrote was
prediction and how much shaped scholarly thought to bring about his own predictions.
Either way, he had a deep insight into human behavior, especially of his fellow Germans,
that enabled him to foresee the fall of Modernity and lay the foundation for the rise of
relativism. Nietzsche seems to know that rational scientific thought is on the way out and
In this paper, we will review the text of Beyond Good and Evil and critique it in
light of a traditional evangelical Christian worldview. The first half of the paper will
summarize Nietzsche’s texts and words, seeking to expound his meaning. The second
half will engage the text, highlighting the positive aspects of Nietzsche’s theories and
SUMMARY
human behavior. In Beyond Good and Evil, he uses that ability to critique and
deconstruct Western philosophical ethics. His arguments are cogent and convincing,
Shelley, THE576, 2
especially in light of his accurate and brutal observations on human nature. Reading the
text more than 100 years after it was penned and seeing how much foresight he possessed
Plato. He says in the preface that the “most dangerous of all errors hitherto has been a
dogmatist’s error, namely Plato’s invention of pure spirit and the good in itself.”1
Nietzsche blames two critical and patently false ideas on Plato: the invention of the spirit
and the notion of thesis-antithesis. Nietzsche will go on in the first several chapters to
demonstrate that the spirit does not really exist, but this has already been established by
the Enlightenment and Modern philosophers. He will, however, retain the word but, in
true Nietzsche fashion, will change its meaning to suit his own needs. The main thrust of
his argument against Plato is the idea of thesis-antithesis. In Nietzsche’s thinking, there
is no “good and evil;” rather, there are simply degrees of good. Instead, Nietzsche views
the ideas of “evil” and “untruth” as necessary and valuable. In fact, he points out, as the
foundation of the book, that they are “a condition of life: that, to be sure, means to resist
The main idea behind the book is that “good” and “evil,” like any other
antithetical terms, are merely linguistic distinctions and must be disregarded. In point of
fact, he will argue that the very things that society has now deemed “evil” are a vital and
important aspect of society. Without them, he maintains, society will cease to function.
To make this case, Nietzsche spends the first chapter of his book reviewing the
1
Pg. 32.
2
Pg. 36.
Shelley, THE576, 3
development of Western philosophical systems, showing how each new paradigm has
rejected the “truth” of the previous. He adroitly points out that philosophy is, in fact,
defined by preconceived notions that will always lead the philosopher precisely where he
wishes to go. In the end, Nietzsche rejects all existing philosophical systems.
In the second chapter, Nietzsche addresses the ideas of “freedom” and “will.”
Again, he points out that these are merely wrong ideas, and he begins to rally against
language and grammar in general. Much to his credit, Nietzsche speaks out against
academic snobbery and applauds cynicism as “the only form in which common souls
language by the academic elite. As one might imagine, his attack on the use of language
root and flourishes. It is not a surprise, then, that he concludes the chapter by denying the
universality of truth.4
attacking religion. Although he holds that all religious systems are inherently flawed and
untrue, he strikes hardest against Christianity, which is understandable given the close
ties between the development of the Church and the rise of Western thought. For
Nietzsche, religion is about fear and denial, and Christianity is the worst offender. The
Church calls believers to deny every natural impulse in the name of “God,” whom
Nietzsche holds does not even exist. In paragraph 53, he rails against the classic notion
of God, pointing out that God is so inept and absurd that he cannot even make himself
3
Pg. 58.
4
Pg. 71.
Shelley, THE576, 4
clearly understood. Nietzsche closes this paragraph with the mocking observation that
Chapter four is a brief interlude that includes a collection of over 120 sayings and
observations. This chapter is a fascinating read in much the same way that Proverbs and
Ecclesiastes are fascinating reads. Here Nietzsche really reveals his ability to explore and
explain human nature. This also serves as a turning point in the book. He is done with
his critique of the established norms in society; now he will lay the blame and explain
The next chapter is a review of morality and how the Europeans have gotten it
wrong. Specifically, Nietzsche points to the Old Testament as the source of the false
morality that dominates Europe. Much to his credit, Nietzsche has a correct
understanding of the Old Testament; however he lacks one thing: belief in God. By
removing God from the picture, Nietzsche sees the Old Testament as a “slave revolt”
where “rich” becomes “evil,” “power” becomes “corruption,” and “poor” becomes
“holy.”5 Instead, as Nietzsche has argued elsewhere and again here, these are all
necessary aspects of a healthy society. It is not “love of neighbor” that drives morality.
It is “fear of neighbor.”6 Nietzsche believes that it is merely fear of retaliation that makes
In chapter six, Nietzsche attacks the academic institutions and points out the role
of the scholars in the decline of Europe. It is because of the academics, he argues, that
Europe has lost its way. What is needed, he asserts, is a single, dominating will to bring
5
Pg. 118.
6
Pp. 122-124.
Shelley, THE576, 5
Chapter seven is an important chapter for this book. Here Nietzsche attacks the
most common virtues and changes their definitions to something more appropriate to a
cynical view. What is most critical, however, is his attack on women. According to
Nietzsche, the collapse of society is always directly associated with the rise of women.
He almost delights in pointing out the faults and shortcomings of women, and he is very
Elsewhere in the text, Nietzsche has argued in support of slavery and elitism as
foundational to a healthy society, but it is his sexism that he holds most dear.
Next, Nietzsche turns his attention to arts and nationalism. Once again, Nietzsche
calls for a strong, single will to unite the people. He blames much of the collapse of
Europe on the French Revolution and the subsequent decline of the monarchies. His
argument is so convincing that, in paragraph 241, he even becomes an apologist for the
Third Reich almost 50 years before the Nazis come to power in Germany.
Nietzsche concludes his book with a discussion of the idea of nobility. After all
his critiques and rhetoric, he comes to the conclusion that exploitation is the essence of
life.8 In fact, Nietzsche sees all of culture as an extension of the ability to use other
of culture, but his argument culminates with his statement “A human being who strives
for something great regards everybody he meets on his way either as a means or as a
7
Pp. 135-138.
8
Pg. 194.
Shelley, THE576, 6
CRITICAL COMMENTARY
Nietzsche’s body of work marks the beginning of the end for Modernity. He,
more than any other, pointed out the limitations and absurdness of rationalism and
science. However, all he could offer to replace the ruling paradigm was a fatalistic
cynicism that seemed to rejoice in suffering and exploitation. It is little wonder that
Nietzsche’s arguments, however, are too cogent and powerful to dismiss quickly.
His insights into humanity are accurate and compelling. He makes a strong case for
cynicism, and he has left this author wondering if it is possible to be a Christian cynic.
The basis for this book is that there is no actual (or even logical) distinction
between good and evil. Nietzsche maintains that there is only good, but that it is
manifested in varying degrees. One should not speak of “good” and “evil;” rather, one
This argument should be palpable to most orthodox Christians. After all, evil has
no ontological reality; it is merely the absence of good. Likewise, the Church has
consistently maintained that there is no antithesis for God. We may confess belief in the
Devil without holding him up as an anti-God. A true antithesis must be equal to the
thesis, and Satan is clearly not equal to God. Therefore, it should be a relatively easy
9
Pg. 210.
Shelley, THE576, 7
thought patterns instead of blindly trusting the academic establishment. The academics
have brought many good reforms to society, but they have also wreaked much havoc in
the lives of men. Society in general, and Christians in particular, should be critical of
Finally, and this is where Nietzsche departs from orthodox Christianity, there is a
sense of fear and exploitation that drives society. This is a true and powerful indictment
of mankind. However, instead of rejecting the notion of “love thy neighbor” because it
runs contrary to the will, Christians are called to reject the sinful will in order to love.
Nietzsche, because he has rejected God, cannot imagine man having the power to act
selflessly through love. For him, man can only be selfish, seeking to either protect or
increase his own wealth and position. This is certainly the case for sinful man. The
different.
It seems, still, that cynicism is a good thing. However, cynicism should not be
interaction with ideas and maxims. The goal is to correct and shape popular thought.
However, Nietzsche saw no hope for mankind and retreated into seclusion. Christians
are called to be light and salt, engaging culture and reforming it to the image of Christ.
including himself, and then seemed genuinely surprised that the bottom fell out.
Shelley, THE576, 8
Christianity, however, has a sure foundation in the revealed Word of God. Cynicism can,
and should, reside in an absolute Truth, and God supplies that Truth. Therefore, it seems
The major issue presented by Nietzsche to Christian thought is his rejection of the
supernatural. Not only does Nietzsche reject God but he also rejects the existence of
spirit and the influence of Satan. All three of these must be part of a successful
worldview.
exists in relationship to him. In order for anything to function properly, it must function
in accordance with his design and plan. Christian cynicism should seek to evaluate any
proposition or value in light of God’s revealed standards. With this foundation, there is
hope.
antithesis of spirit over against matter. Neither is inherently better or naturally opposed
to the other. In fact, mankind is designed to have both a spiritual aspect and a material
However, Nietzsche is wrong to apply this argument fully to the notion of good
and evil. Nietzsche rejects the antithetical nature of spirit/matter on the basis that the
spirit does not exist. Therefore, he concludes that evil, like spirit, does not exist. The
spirit does exist, and evil does exist insofar as good is absent. Evil is not equal to good,10
so it is not, by definition, an antithesis, but it is also not the same as good. Nietzsche is
10
It seems clear that something that is ontologically real – good – is inherently superior to that which has
no reality – evil. The antithesis for “good,” it seems, is “bad,” evil in the moral sense.
Shelley, THE576, 9
wrong to conclude that there are only degrees of “good” and no “evil.” Evil is distinct
the influence of Satan upon humanity. Instead, he looks at heredity and culture as the
sole conditioners of mankind. While both of these influences are significant and should
not be underrated, Satan is the ultimate tempter and deceiver of men. Satan is the one
who first put the thought of disobedience into the minds of Adam and Eve. It was his lies
that maligned Creation and drove a wedge between God and man. He is still active in
The final responsibility for sin is the individual. We are moral agents with the
ability to apply values when making decisions. However, our values have been tainted to
do evil, to follow after the lies of Satan. It is this influence, more than any other, that is
responsible for the wretched state of affairs in the world. Man is not permanently
predisposed to exploitation and fear. These are the results of the Fall and can be
overcome through the work of the Holy Spirit. Mankind can get better if he submits
himself to God.
There is one final issue in Nietzsche’s theories that must be discussed: his defense
of elitism. Nietzsche needs a strong will to follow, and he needs to blame someone for
the collapse of society. He is not able to hold up an example of a good human leader, but
he is able to find plenty of people to share the blame. His defense of slavery as necessary
and normal should be abhorrent to Christians, as should his idea that God is not
sufficient, assuming that God exists at all. What is most wretched, however, is his
Time and again Nietzsche proclaims that women are inferior to men and should
be treated as such. This is clearly contrary to Scripture. This author does not want to
argue for either egalitarianism or patriarchy in this paper – that is not the point at hand;
rather, I wish to confirm that both men and women bear the image of God and deserve
respect. Man is not inherently superior to women. Women are not mentally deficient
compared to men. And, most importantly, women are not to bear the blunt of the blame
for the decline in society. Any person who advocates the abuse and mistreatment of any
Finally, Nietzsche has missed the obvious choice for the single, strong will he
believes is necessary to order mankind. He cannot point to a human leader because any
human would be insufficient for the job. Instead, it is God himself, specifically the
Incarnate Jesus Christ, who provides the perfect will to guide all men. We are called to
submit ourselves to him, and, one day, we all will. His will is perfect, and in him we find
CONCLUDING REMARKS
Nietzsche raised many good points and concerns about rationalism and
Modernity. His belief in a healthy cynicism should be adopted by the Church today.
However, the Church should not wholly adopt his idea of what healthy cynicism is.
Nietzsche did not include God as the foundation for life, and, therefore, he found only
hopelessness and despair in the human condition. Christians have a sure foundation in