What EXACTLY is the doctrine of Original Sin? I think I know but I am not a Catholic so I could be wrong since I don't know EXACTLY what the Catholic Church teaches. Thanks in advance everyone.

-- Anglican Christian (sharon.guy@ntu.ac.uk), August 05, 2004

Answers

Hello Sharon,

I recommend that you read the CCC 396-409 on Original Sin. Then if you have any more questions as to what Catholics believe, in light of that description, please feel free to return and ask them.

God bless,

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), August 05, 2004.

I'd be curious to hear what Anglicans teach about original sin. My guess is that our concepts are very close if not the same.

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), August 05, 2004.

I am very interested in discussing this subject as I have been reading extensively on it. Why don't you email me and we talk some more? Many thanks.

Ibrahim

JesusVictr@aol.com

-- Ibrahim (JesusVictr@aol.com), August 05, 2004.

Ibrahim,

There is a good discussion going on regarding this very topic at the "Ask Jesus" forum. Click on New Answers. It should be near the top titled Original Sin. You may want to check that discussion out as well as this one.

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), August 05, 2004.

Hi Sharon,

Here is the link to the discussion Andy mentioned:

Original Sin.

God bless,

-- Emily ("jesusfollower7@yahoo.com), August 05, 2004.

Out of interest. The Orthodox reject the idea of orignial sin.

-- Hugh (hugh@inspired.com), August 06, 2004.

Thanks Hugh.

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), August 06, 2004.

Thanks everyone - so let me see if I've got this right - Original sin is the act of disobedience committed by Adam and Eve. Through this personal sin on their part sin has entered the world. We as descendents of Adam and Eve have inherited the consequences of their sin in the guise of disease and death. At birth we are inheritors of the fallen state and so can still die as a consequence of Original Sin even though we are at that moment without sin. Since we are inheritors of the fallen state we are inclined to commit personal sin so it is unlikely that we could get through too much of life before the inevitable happens.

Is that about right or have i gone wrong somewhere?

-- Anglican Christian (sharon.guy@ntu.ac.uk), August 09, 2004.

Some folks may argue the finer points Anglican Christian, but I think you got it right (as far as I understand it).

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), August 10, 2004.

anglican, you were fairly close:

At birth we are inheritors of the fallen state and so can still die as a consequence of Original Sin even though we are at that moment without sin.

almost, but not quite. the stain of original sin is the real sin of disobedience before God. if a person had reached the age of reason, but chosen not to be baptised, then they very well could go to hell for the stain of their original sin. that is why baptism is so integral to our faith, to cleanse our soul.

Since we are inheritors of the fallen state we are inclined to commit personal sin so it is unlikely that we could get through too much of life before the inevitable happens.

between five and seven years old is when a person begins to fully understand that there is right and wrong action, not because mommy and daddy say so, but because they are fundamental rights and wrongs. at this point a person becomes culpable for their actions and, as you say, the inevitable (sin) can occur. at this point the sacrament of confession becomes necessary, and the first Holy Communion can be taken when the child has been taught the pertinant facts. prior to the age of reason, however, there is no sin, other than the original sin... a person cannot be held responsible for that which they didnt have any control over.

-- paul h (dontSendMeMail@notAnAddress.com), August 10, 2004.

"Out of interest. The Orthodox reject the idea of original sin." -- Hugh

Not so. The Eastern Orthodox Churches believe in Original Sin and they even seem sometimes to accuse the Catholics of watering down its meaning. See http://www.stjohndc.org/Homilies/9609a.htm

-- Steve (55555@aol.com), August 11, 2004.

Thanks Paul H for the clarification. Sometimes its difficult to tease the bare bones of a subject from the meat of the lively debate that surrounds it.

Thanks everyone for your contributions.

-- Anglican Christian (sharon.guy@ntu.ac.uk), August 11, 2004.

Yes, thanks for the clarification paul h.

You're one of the reasons I love this forum so much! :)

Just when I think I got it all, someone points out some important details I missed :) It always helps me grow in understanding.

-- Andy S ("ask3332004@yahoo.com"), August 11, 2004.