But what, then, is original sin? According to the Apostle…
““But what, then, is original sin? According to the Apostle it is not only the lack of a good quality in the will, nor merely the loss of man’s righteousness and ability. It is rather the loss of all his powers of body and soul, of his whole outward and inward perfections. In addition to this, it is his inclination to all that is evil, his aversion against that which is good, his antipathy against light and wisdom, his love for error and darkness, his flight from and his loathing of good works, and his seeking after that which is sinful. Thus we read in Psalm 14:3: “They are all gone aside, they are all together become filthy; there is none that doeth good, no, not one”; and in Genesis 8:21: “The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” Actual sins essentially consist in this that they come from out of us, as the Lord says in Matthew 15:19: “Out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.” But original enters into us; we do not commit it, but we suffer it. We are sinners because we are the sons of a sinner. A sinner can beget only a sinner, who is like him.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Original sin is described as the total loss of human moral and spiritual capacities, leading to an innate inclination toward evil and a separation from goodness.
In simple terms: Human nature is seen as fundamentally corrupted and inclined toward evil.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the depth of human fallibility and seek transformation.
Themes
theology
human nature
sin
redemption
spirituality
Mood
reflective
somber
thoughtful
Type
theological
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal reflection
- spiritual counseling
- ethical decision making
- teaching religious concepts
Key Concepts
original sin
human depravity
moral failure
Questions to Reflect On
- How does this view affect personal responsibility?
- Can moral improvement occur despite inherent sin?
A Different Perspective
Original sin may be interpreted metaphorically rather than literally, limiting its practical application.