The Nature of Original Sin and Humanity in Theology

The Concept of Original Sin

The doctrine of original sin is rooted in biblical accounts, particularly in the story of Adam and Eve's disobedience in Genesis 3. This event is seen as the origin of humanity's sinful nature ^[2]. The concept is further developed in various Christian traditions, which interpret the nature and implications of original sin differently.

Biblical Foundation

The biblical basis for original sin is found in passages such as Romans 5:12-19 and Psalm 51:5. Romans 5:12 states that "sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned" ^[1]. Psalm 51:5 says, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me," indicating that humans are born with a sinful nature.

Definition and Interpretation

Original sin is understood as the inherent corruption or depravity of human nature, resulting from Adam's fall. It is described as a condition that affects every human being, making them prone to sin and separating them from God ^[3]. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion define original sin as "the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man, that naturally is ingendered of the offspring of Adam; whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil" ^[6].

Traditions and Variations

Different Christian traditions have varying interpretations of original sin. The Augustinian view, influential in Western Christianity, emphasizes the guilt and corruption inherited from Adam. Augustine argued that original sin is derived from the "faulty condition of human seed" and is transmitted through generation ^[5]. In contrast, the Eastern Orthodox tradition, as represented by John of Damascus, focuses on the consequences of Adam's sin rather than the guilt, emphasizing the resulting human condition of mortality and corruption ^[8].

The Reformed tradition, following Calvin, views original sin as a total depravity that affects all aspects of human nature, rendering humans unable to save themselves ^[4]. Lutheran theology, as expressed in the Augsburg Confession, also affirms the doctrine of original sin, stating that "since the fall of Adam all men begotten after the common course of nature are born with sin" ^[9].

Consequences and Implications

The doctrine of original sin has significant implications for understanding human nature and the need for salvation. It underscores humanity's universal need for redemption through Jesus Christ. According to Calvin, the understanding of original sin is crucial for appreciating the extent of God's grace in salvation ^[4]. The concept also influences how different traditions understand baptism and the sacrament of regeneration.

Contrasting Views

Not all Christian traditions agree on the specifics of original sin. The Pelagian view, considered heretical by many, denies the existence of original sin, arguing that humans are born without sin and that Adam's sin affects only himself ^[6]. Some Jewish interpretations, such as those found in Targum Jonathan, do not emphasize a doctrine of original sin in the same way as Christian traditions, instead focusing on individual responsibility and the importance of following God's laws ^[7].

Conclusion

The nature of original sin and humanity is complex and has been debated across various Christian traditions. While the biblical foundation is clear, the interpretations and implications of original sin vary significantly. Understanding these differences is crucial for appreciating the richness and diversity of Christian theology. The doctrine remains a cornerstone in understanding human nature, sin, and the necessity of salvation through Christ.

Sources

Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Sin — Is "any want of conformity unto or transgression of the law of God" (1 John 3:4; Rom. 4:15), in the inward state and habit of the soul, as well as in the outward conduct of the life, whether by omission or commission (Rom. 6:12-17; 7:5-24). It is "not a mere violation of the law of our constitution, nor of the system of things, but an offence against a personal lawgiver and moral governor who vindicates his law with penalties. The soul that sins is always conscious that his sin is (1) intrinsically vile and polluting, and (2) that it justly deserves punishment,”
Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Fall of man — An expression probably borrowed from the Apocryphal Book of Wisdom, to express the fact of the revolt of our first parents from God, and the consequent sin and misery in which they and all their posterity were involved. The history of the Fall is recorded in Gen. 2 and 3. That history is to be literally interpreted. It records facts which underlie the whole system of revealed truth. It is referred to by our Lord and his apostles not only as being true, but as furnishing the ground of all God's subsequent dispensations and dealings with the children of m”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Fall of Man, The — By the disobedience of Adam -- Ge 3:6,11,12; Ro 5:12,15,19. Through temptation of the devil -- Ge 3:1-5; 2Co 11:3; 1Ti 2:14. Man in consequence of Made in the image of Adam. -- Ge 5:3; 1Co 15:48,49. Born in sin. -- Job 15:14; 25:4; Ps 51:5; Isa 48:8; Joh 3:6. A child of wrath. -- Eph 2:3. Evil in heart. -- Ge 6:5; 8:21; Jer 16:12; Mt 15:19. Blinded in heart. -- Eph 4:18. Corrupt and perverse in his ways. -- Ge 6:12; Ps 10:5; Ro 3:12-16. Depraved in mind. -- Ro 8:5-7; Eph 4:17; Col 1:21; Tit 1:15. Without understanding. -- Ps 14:2,3; Ro 3:11; 1:31. ”
CCEL (Reformed) “John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, section 37: a description of original sin; The same thing appears more clearly from the mode of renovation. For the spirit, which is contrasted with the old man, and the flesh, denotes not only the grace by which the sensual or inferior part of the soul is corrected, but includes a complete reformation of all its parts ( Eph. 4:23 ). And, accordingly, Paul enjoins not only that gross appetites be suppressed, but that we be renewed in the spirit of our mind ( Eph. 4:23 ), as he elsewhere tells us to be transformed by the renewing of our mind ( ”
Schaff ANF/NPNF (Patristic) “NPNF1 Vol 5: Augustine — Anti-Pelagian — CHAP. 20.--ORIGINAL SIN IS DERIVED FROM THE FAULTY CONDITION OF HUMAN SEED. (part 1): This, however, I would not say, as implying at all that we must look for some other creator than the supreme and true God, of either human seed or of man himself who comes from the seed; but as meaning, that the seed would have issued from the human being by the quiet and normal obedience of his members to his will's command, if sin had not preceded. The question now before us does not concern the nature of human seed, but its corruption. Now the nature has God for its”
Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican) “Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (Anglican, 1571), Section 225: Original Sin standeth not in the following of Adam, (as the Pelagians do vainly talk;) but it is the fault and corruption of the Nature of every man, that naturally is ingendered of the offspring of Adam; whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and is of his own nature inclined to evil, so that the flesh lusteth always contrary to the spirit; and therefore in every person born into this world, it deserveth God's wrath and damnation. And this infection of nature doth remain, yea in them that are regenerated; where”
Targum Jonathan (Jewish (Rabbinic)) “Targum Jonathan, Targum Jonathan on I Samuel 12:23: As for me, far be it from me that I should sin before the LORD and cease to pray concerning you. But I will teach you the way, that you may be in the right and the proper way.”
CCEL (Eastern Orthodox) “John of Damascus, An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, section 105: 9:5 9:5 9:5 9:19 9:21 9:21 10:4 10:4 10:6-9 10:13-21 10:17 11:8 11:25-27 11:28 11:32 11:33-36 11:36 11:36 11:36 12:3 12:13 15:10 15:12 16:25-27 1 Corinthians 1:9 1:10 1:17-25 1:20 1:20-25 1:23 1:23 1:23-24 1:24 1:24 1:24 1:27 1:27 2:2 2:7-8 2:8 2:8 2:8 2:10-11 2:11 2:12 2:12 2:14-15 3:8 3:8 3:16 3:17 3:19 7:2 7:25 7:31 8 8:5 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:6 8:7 10:1 10:17 10:31 11:2 11:24-26 11:29 11:31-32 12:3 12:3 12:3 12:3 12:4-7 12:4-11 12:5-6 12:5-6 12:8 12:8 12:8-10 12:11 12:12 12:24 13:10 14:32 14:37 15:3-4 15:16-17 15:20 15:2”
Augsburg Confession (Lutheran) “Augsburg Confession (Lutheran, 1530), Article II. Of Original Sin.: Article II. Of Original Sin.”

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