Original Sin

"What is original sin?"

3 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

Original sin is the fallen state inherited from Adam and Eve's first disobedience. We are born without sanctifying grace and inclined toward sin, though not personally guilty of Adam's act.

Quick Overview

Original sin is like a hereditary condition. Adam and Eve had perfect 'spiritual health'—sanctifying grace. When they sinned, they lost it and could only pass on their wounded nature to us. We're born 'spiritually sick' and need baptism to be healed.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Romans 5:12

"By one man sin entered into this world, and by sin death; and so death passed upon all men, in whom all have sinned."

Why This Matters

Through Adam, sin and death entered the world and affected all humanity.

Psalm 51:7

"Behold I was conceived in iniquities; and in sins did my mother conceive me."

Why This Matters

David acknowledges he was sinful from conception—not just from his first personal sin.

Ephesians 2:3

"We were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest."

Why This Matters

We are 'by nature' children of wrath—our nature itself is fallen, not just our actions.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

Original sin is the privation of sanctifying grace caused by Adam's sin and transmitted to all his descendants. It weakens our nature and inclines us to sin, though it is not a personal act of sin (CCC 404-405).

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Augustine

c. 420 AD

"Through one man sin entered the world... The sin of Adam was contracted by all men."

— Against Julian, 6:24

Council of Carthage

418 AD

"Even infants, who have not committed any sin personally, are truly baptized for the remission of sins."

— Canon 2

Doctrine Development

Mortal vs Venial

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