Again I ask whence it happened that the fall of Adam…
“Again I ask whence it happened that the fall of Adam involved, without remedy, in eternal death so many nations, together with their infant children, except because it so seemed good to God? A decree horrible, I confess, and yet true.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Calvin questions why God would permit the original sin to cause eternal death for all humanity, highlighting the paradox of divine justice and mercy.
In simple terms: Explores the problem of universal judgment.
Key Takeaway
Divine decree vs. human suffering.
Themes
theodicy
original sin
divine justice
human suffering
predestination
Mood
solemn
reflective
inquisitive
Type
theological
philosophical
didactic
When to use this quote
- theological debate
- sermon
- philosophical essay
- personal crisis
- academic lecture
Key Concepts
theodicy
original sin
divine decree
Practical Applications
- explanatory sermon
- theological curriculum
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect concepts of grace?
- What alternative explanations exist for universal judgment?