What is Original Sin? Common Misconceptions - Its All About Love: Growing Intimacy with Jesus

Misconceptions about Original Sin in Modern Times:

While the concept of Original Sin holds significance in Catholic theology, several prevalent misunderstandings lead to confusion and misinterpretations. Here are some key ones:

1. Personal Guilt:

Misconception: Original Sin equates to personal guilt inherited from Adam and Eve.
Clarification: The Church emphasizes that humans inherit the consequences of Original Sin, not the actual culpability. Individuals are responsible for their own choices and sins.

Inherited Consequences:

Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned…” This verse connects Adam’s sin to the mortality and sinful nature inherited by all.
Psalm 51:5: “Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me.” This personalizes the inherited stain of Original Sin.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 386: “Original sin does not have the nature of a personal fault of each individual, but of a state of deprivation of the original holiness and justice.”

Individual Responsibility:

Deuteronomy 24:16: “Fathers shall not be put to death for their children, nor children put to death for their parents; each is to be put to death for his own sin.” This emphasizes individual punishment for personal actions.
Ezekiel 18:20: “The son shall not suffer for the iniquity of the father, nor the father suffer for the iniquity of the son. Each shall suffer for his own iniquity.” This reinforces the principle of individual accountability.
CCC 1734: “Freedom is the power to choose the good. It makes the human person morally responsible for his or her actions.” This affirms the moral agency and responsibility of each individual.
CCC 1847: “Each one of us must give personal account to God for our own life, our own deeds, and our own omissions.” This highlights the ultimate personal answerability before God.

Balancing the Two:

CCC 409: “Original sin does not deprive human nature of every good. It wounds human nature without destroying it.” This clarifies that despite inheriting the consequences, we retain free will, dignity, and capacity for good.
CCC 1289: “Through Baptism all sins are forgiven, including original sin, and men and women are restored to God’s grace; at the same time, they become incorporated with Christ and integrated into the Church.” This demonstrates the Church’s emphasis on overcoming the inherited consequences through personal choice and participation in the sacraments.

2. Babies as Evil:

Misconception: Infants are inherently sinful due to Original Sin.
Clarification: The Church teaches that baptism washes away Original Sin, and children are not held accountable for it. They still retain God’s image and capacity for goodness.

Baptism Washing Away Original Sin:

Romans 6:3-4: “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” This passage connects baptism to death and rebirth, symbolizing the washing away of sin and new life in Christ.
Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” This verse suggests that baptism plays a key role in salvation, potentially implying the cleansing of sin.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 1262: “By Baptism all sins are forgiven, including original sin, and men and women are restored to God’s grace; at the same time, they become incorporated with Christ and integrated into the Church.” This explicitly states that baptism removes original sin and restores individuals to God’s grace.

Children Not Held Accountable:

Deuteronomy 1:39: “But your children who do not yet know good from evil did not go in.” This verse indicates that children who lack understanding are not held accountable for their actions.
Luke 18:16-17: “But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'” This passage suggests that Jesus saw children as innocent and emphasizes their openness to God’s kingdom.
CCC 1250: “Inasmuch as infants have not yet committed any personal sin, they have need only of the baptism of rebirth to be cleansed from original sin and welcomed into the People of God.” This clarifies that children’s lack of personal sin necessitates them needing only baptism (not penance) for their entry into the Church.

Retaining God’s Image and Capacity for Goodness:

Genesis 1:27: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” This verse establishes humanity’s creation in God’s image, implying inherent dignity and potential for good.
CCC 409: “Original sin does not deprive human nature of every good. It wounds human nature without destroying it, and throws human reason into darkness without extinguishing it.” This acknowledges the impact of sin while emphasizing the continued presence of good and reason within humanity.
CCC 1260: “In this way Baptism confers the grace of justification: it erases original sin and all personal sins, it restores the human being to God’s friendship, and it communicates the Holy Spirit’s gift of new life.” This highlights that baptism not only removes sin but also empowers individuals to live according to God’s will.

3. Blame on Eve:

Misconception: Eve solely carries the blame for Original Sin due to her actions.
Clarification: Both Adam and Eve were involved in the choice, leading to the shared consequences for humanity.

Scriptural and Catechism Citations for Shared Responsibility in Original Sin

Both Adam and Eve’s Involvement:

Genesis 3:1-7: This entire passage portrays both Adam and Eve actively engaging in conversation with the serpent, disobeying God’s command, and eating the forbidden fruit. There’s no distinction in the narrative regarding their individual roles in the decision.
Romans 5:12: “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned…” While referencing “one man,” Paul later clarifies in verse 19: “…by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners…” indicating the broader impact beyond simply Adam.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 399: “Original sin involves both the deprivation of original holiness and justice, and the positive inclination to sin or concupiscence.” This definition doesn’t assign sole responsibility to either individual.

Shared Consequences:

Genesis 3:16-19: God pronounces consequences for both Adam and Eve, reflecting the shared impact of their choice. Adam receives his own punishment of toiling for sustenance and eventual death, while Eve faces pain in childbirth and submission to Adam’s authority.
Romans 5:18: “Therefore, as by one man’s trespass all men were condemned, so also by one man’s act of righteousness all men were made righteous.” This emphasizes the universal impact of both the initial sin and Christ’s redemptive action.
CCC 403: “Following St. Paul, the Church has always taught that the overwhelming misery which oppresses men and their inclination towards evil and death cannot be understood apart from their connection with Adam’s sin.” This underlines the shared human experience of these consequences, regardless of individual culpability.

4. Incompatibility with Science:

Misconception: Original Sin contradicts scientific explanations for human evolution and behavior.
Clarification: The Church sees Original Sin as a theological explanation for spiritual realities, not a direct challenge to scientific findings. They aim to coexist within distinct realms.

Scriptural and Catechism Citations for Original Sin as a Theological Explanation

Spiritual Focus of Original Sin:

John 3:3-6: “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born anew, he cannot see the kingdom of God.’ Nicodemus said to him, ‘How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'” This passage emphasizes the spiritual rebirth through baptism, implying the need to address something beyond the physical realm.
Romans 7:14-25: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to do it. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do. Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.” This highlights the internal struggle with sin, showcasing a spiritual dimension beyond pure physical explanations.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 388: “Original sin does not have the nature of a personal fault of each individual, but of a state of deprivation of the original holiness and justice.” This defines Original Sin as a deprivation of spiritual gifts, not a physical act or characteristic.

Coexistence with Science:

Genesis 1-2: These initial chapters present the creation story in symbolic language, emphasizing theological truths rather than purely scientific data.
Galatians 5:16-17: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these two are opposed to each other, so that you may not do whatever you want.” This verse highlights the distinction between spiritual and material realms, where they can conflict but coexist.
CCC 360: “The harmonious cooperation between faith and reason is not only possible but necessary for both. They are complementary; each needs the other, and both contribute to the full knowledge of the human being.” This affirms the coexistence of various modes of understanding, including faith and science, each contributing to different aspects of knowledge.

5. Exclusion of Non-Catholics:

Misconception: Only Catholics or Christians are affected by Original Sin.
Clarification: While different religions and philosophies approach these concepts differently, the Catholic understanding seeks to explain the universal human experience of suffering, evil, and the need for redemption.

Universality of Suffering and Evil:

Ecclesiastes 9:2: “All things happen alike to all: there is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth and to him that sacrificeth not: as is the good, so is the sinner; as he that sweareth, so is he that feareth an oath.” This verse highlights the shared experience of suffering, regardless of religious affiliation.
Romans 2:14-15: “For when Gentiles, who have not the law, by nature do the things of the law, these, having no law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.” This passage suggests that even people without specific religious knowledge experience internal struggles and a sense of accountability, hinting at a universal human condition beyond religious boundaries.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 387: “Original sin does not have the nature of a personal fault of each individual, but of a state of deprivation of the original holiness and justice.” This definition emphasizes the “state of deprivation” affecting all humanity, not just individuals within a specific religious group.

Catholic Understanding as Explanation:

CCC 400: “With man’s sin the harmony of created nature was broken.” This acknowledges the wider impact of human sin on the entire creation, suggesting a connection between human choices and universal consequences.
CCC 1260: “In this way Baptism confers the grace of justification: it erases original sin and all personal sins, it restores the human being to God’s friendship, and it communicates the Holy Spirit’s gift of new life.” This highlights the Church’s belief in the possibility of overcoming the effects of sin through faith and grace, offering a potential path for redemption open to all.
CCC 1992: “The desire for God is written in the heart of every human being… This desire is a movement of the human heart towards God, the source of its life and happiness.” This recognizes the inherent human longing for something beyond oneself, a potential starting point for understanding concepts of redemption and transcending suffering, even outside specific religious frameworks.

6. Fixed Punishment:

Misconception: Original Sin implies eternal condemnation for humanity.
Clarification: The Church emphasizes God’s enduring love and the possibility of overcoming sin through faith, sacraments, and good works. Redemption and salvation are central themes.

God’s Enduring Love and Forgiveness:

John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse highlights God’s immense love for humanity, motivating the sacrifice of Jesus for redemption.
Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This emphasizes God’s love even amidst human sin, offering the possibility of overcoming it through Christ’s sacrifice.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 60: “God reveals himself as love” and “God is love.” These statements solidify God’s core nature as love, offering hope and redemption despite the consequences of sin.

Overcoming Sin and Achieving Salvation:

Mark 16:16: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” This verse connects faith and baptism to salvation, implying a path to overcome the consequences of sin.
Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This clarifies that while sin leads to death, God’s free gift through Christ offers eternal life, overcoming the ultimate consequence of Original Sin.
CCC 1846: “Salvation is the work of God. But God calls each person to cooperate with his grace. This cooperation is possible because human freedom has not been destroyed by sin.” This emphasizes the individual’s role in cooperating with God’s grace through faith, good works, and participation in the sacraments.

Importance of Sacraments and Good Works:

John 6:54: “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” This verse highlights the role of the Eucharist (a sacrament) in achieving eternal life, offering spiritual nourishment and strengthening against sin.
James 2:17: “So faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” This emphasizes the importance of both faith and good works in the journey towards salvation, actively cooperating with God’s grace.
CCC 2012: “The seven sacraments are the efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is bestowed upon us, and nourishment is given, and worship is offered to God.” This highlights the sacraments as channels of God’s grace, assisting individuals in overcoming sin and living a holy life.

7. Determinism and Hopelessness:

Misconception: Original Sin preordains people to sin, making efforts for good futile.
Clarification: While it acknowledges human limitations, the Church affirms free will and God’s grace empowering individuals to choose good and strive for holiness.

Acknowledging Limitations:

Genesis 8:21: “For the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth…” This verse acknowledges the human tendency towards sin due to the consequences of Original Sin.
Romans 7:18-19: “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to do it.” This passage further illustrates the internal struggle with sin, highlighting the challenges individuals face.
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) 409: “Original sin does not deprive human nature of every good. It wounds human nature without destroying it, and throws human reason into darkness without extinguishing it.” This recognizes the impact on human nature, yet affirms the remaining capacity for good and reason.

Affirming Free Will and Grace:

Deuteronomy 30:19: “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live…” This verse emphasizes the individual’s freedom to choose, highlighting the active role we play in our destinies.
John 15:5: “I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him he bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” This reinforces the interplay between God’s grace (the vine) and our free will (the branches), stressing the need for both in bearing good fruit.
CCC 1734: “Freedom is the power to choose the good. It makes the human person morally responsible for his or her actions.” This affirms the power of individual choice and our responsibility for our actions.
CCC 1848: “God gives the strength to persevere and to succeed in this struggle against sin.” This emphasizes God’s grace not as a guarantee of success, but as an empowering force to aid us in choosing good.

Understanding these common misunderstandings can encourage constructive dialogue and deeper exploration of Original Sin’s multifaceted nature in Catholic theology.

Original Sin and Baptism

Sharing

Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age

Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post