I believe that we are all born with a clean slate.
In other words: I don't believe in original sin (ie, that humans are born fallen/sinful/predisposed to evil/etc.) I feel like most of the teachings on original sin come from a narrow view of two sections of the New Testament (Romans 5 and 1st Corinthians 15). Then too, most American Christians adhere to the doctrinal teachings of Calvin, Luther or Wesley--all of whom claim that man is inherently sinful (though in slightly different ways). I just don't see it as being a Biblical concept. I see it as another major issue within Christianity that more people look to Augustine for answers rather than to Jesus.
(If you'd like some specifics, I'm not a Pelagianist. But I think the Augustinian view on original sin borders on Manichaeism. "Adam and Eve" may have wrecked the human environment, but I don't think they passed on sinfulness simply by procreating.)
Monday, October 11, 2010
What I Believe (part 13)
Posted by JD at 9:09 AM
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1 comments:
In all seriousness:
"Adam and Eve" may have wrecked the human environment....
What distinguishes an idea like this from other ideas that come from narrow views of ancient texts? What did humans do to wreck the environment, and what does the "Adam and Eve" story have to say about it?
I'm with you that human beings are born with a neutral moral, ethical, and sin level. Or a "clean slate."
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