Original Sin
Humanity inherits a fallen condition from Adam.
This doctrine defines Christian orthodoxy. Denial places one outside the historic faith.
What the traditions say
Defined at Trent. Original sin deprives humanity of original holiness and justice. Concupiscence remains after baptism but is not itself sin.
Formula of Concord I: original sin is not merely a deprivation but a deep corruption of human nature. Without grace, the will is in bondage to sin.
Total depravity: sin affects every part of human nature. Humanity is unable to turn to God without regenerating grace. The covenant of works was broken in Adam.
Augustine developed the fullest patristic account: Adam's sin is transmitted to all his descendants. Eastern Fathers emphasized death and corruption more than inherited guilt.
Wesley affirmed original sin but also prevenient grace — God's grace counteracts the effects of the fall in every person, enabling genuine free response.
Orthodoxy speaks of ancestral sin rather than original sin. Humanity inherits mortality and the tendency to sin, but not personal guilt for Adam's act. The Augustinian formulation is considered too juridical.
Key scriptures
- Eph 2:3 — Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
- Gen 3:6 — And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
- Ps 51:5 — Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
- Rom 5:12 — Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
- Rom 5:19 — For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.