Does Christian Doctrine Of Original Sin Make Sense In The Context Of Contemporary Human Experience

Original Sin
Does the Christian doctrine of original sin make sense in the context of contemporary human experience? The Christian doctrine of original sin is an elaborate and controversial belief that has been argued and interpreted differently throughout history. There are three points that summarize the idea of original sin: that human nature was created good but has been corrupted; that every person enters life already corrupt and unable to avoid sin, meaning they are enslaved to sin; and that humans are still responsible for their actions and blameworthy. Depending on someone’s cultural, religious, and personal backgrounds, they may hold different beliefs on the doctrine of original sin. Some people use these three points to explain why

Every person is born into the state of sin, unable to avoid sinning, because of the acts of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Wirzba presents the idea that “Sin is like an infected or messed-up gene that has gotten into human DNA and screwed it all up from the inside. You don’t choose your DNA. You are stuck with it as the inheritance that comes your way whether you like it or not” (Wirzba 103). As Wirzba points out, like your DNA, we do not get to decide whether or not we sin. Meanwhile, Augustine believes that “You are going to screw up, but that is okay, because God’s grace does not depend on your being perfect. Don’t try to set yourself up as the holiest person because, really, you are no better than everyone else. Everybody sins, so get over it! Everybody needs God’s forgiveness and healing” (Wirzba 105). This point helps us feel more forgiving towards ourselves when we do commit a sin because we are born unable to avoid it. Yes, we may sin, but it is important to note that God will forgive us, if we keep our faith in Him and continue to show Him our love. I think this can both be good and bad because people can use the fact that we were born corrupt to do bad things in this world and not feel bad, or you can commit a sin, know that it was bound to happen, but still learn from your mistake and not let it happen

The idea behind this is that people still have free will over their actions and can choose between the good and the bad, even if they are inclined to sin due to their human nature. I agree that it is important to hold yourself accountable for your actions and not blame your sins on the fact that you were born corrupt. In relation to Adam and Eve, “Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves” (Gen. 3:7). The nakedness is not literal; it represents the shame and guilt they feel because they went against God’s word and ate the fruit from the tree. As a human, it seems you cannot win because you are bound to sin because no one is perfect, but we are still expected to take responsibility for our mistakes, even if they are inevitable. It is important to note that each person has been and will be affected by sin, but we are responsible for our own actions and can either follow God and live a righteous life or continue to rebel against God and