The Doctrine of Original Sin

[Caladan]

St Augustine, who largely devised the theory of original sin, thought that original sin was transmitted from generation to generation through sexual intercourse. Augustine did not say exactly how this happened.

Source: BBC - Religions - Christianity: Original sin

[Mister Emu]

If it is inevitable, it is not culpable, and therefore not sin.

Inevitable in that we will, not that we must. We can resist, but none of us fully do. That is one of the reasons why everyone needs/needed/will need Jesus.

Because they have no choice but to 'sin', presumably.

Again, I never said that.

[kejos]

Originally Posted by Mister Emu

Inevitable in that we will

Jesus didn't.

Again, I never said that.

But it is implied.

[Mister Emu]

Jesus didn't.

Jesus is God.

But it is implied.

No, it was not.

[kejos]

Originally Posted by Mister Emu

Jesus is God.

...because he didn't sin.

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by kejos

...because he didn't sin.

Seems you've got this backward. He didn't sin because his divine nature prevented it. At least, that's the theory. I personally don't agree with the theory, but

[Dunemeister]

Originally Posted by TheKnight

I thought one would be able to tell (from my post as a whole) that I was simplifying. I simplified a lot in that post.

Understandably, the medium in which we operate (discussion forum) forces all of us to simplify. I just think that it's possible, particularly with this topic, not to oversimplify. However, I think you've nailed it on the head with your second statement:

Originally Posted by TheKnight

Perhaps my view stems from my being a former fundamentalist Christian. I always understood the idea as being rather Biblical. I think Paul makes it quite clear in his works.

You can make almost anything "biblical" in a volume as various, extended, complex, and multi-genred as the bible (Jewish, Christian, or especially combo). All you need to do is ignore those aspects of it that cause trouble for your view. That's what happens in spades with fundamentalists. I'm a recovering fundamentalist myself, so I get where they're coming from. But here they're just plain wrong.

I'd also argue that the Roman Catholic Church is just plain wrong and the Eastern Orthodox are just plain right. The Orthodox, some 1600 years ago, realized where this doctrine would lead to, a kind of stultifying and draconian form of political and social leverage of the clergy over the (emerging) laity. And boy, has it ever done that!

[BruceDLimber]

Of course I read it, Emu, but my point holds.

Nor did I ever deny we deal with the consequences.

The fact remains that some groups still claim sin IS inherited, which is why I pointed out that scripture states otherwise.

Peace,

Bruce

[BruceDLimber]

Originally Posted by Emu

I believe God made man good.

Originally Posted by kejos

That is without textual support, though.

Not so!

The Baha'i scriptures state this explicitly!:

"O SON OF SPIRIT!

"Noble I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself.
"Rise, then, to that for which thou wast created."
--The Hidden Words, Part One, #22

Best! :-)

Bruce

[kejos]

Originally Posted by BruceDLimber

Not so!

The Baha'i scriptures state this explicitly!:

"O SON OF SPIRIT!

"Noble I created thee, yet thou hast abased thyself.
"Rise, then, to that for which thou wast created."
--The Hidden Words, Part One, #22

Best! :-)

Bruce

Thank you, Bruce. I must say that I am never totally convinced by scriptures that are translated into 'King James' English.