by Angelo Xuereb
Christian Dogma is in a continual process of development. In this way Truth is attained more deeply while people in different cultures understand it correctly. Accordingly dogma can be explained in a meaningful way to modern man.
The Church always believed in original sin. St. Augustine taught this doctrine and explained it according to the mentality of his own times. Moreover the councils of Carthage (418) and Orange (529) treated this subject.
The Church doctrine on original sin reached its peak in the Council of Trent (1545-1563) by the Decree on Original Sin. This Council in separate paragraphs teaches us the following doctrine.
--- that the first sin shattered the relationship between man and God and its effect was death.
--- that this sin not only corrupted Adam but also his descendants.
--- this sin is propagated not by bad example but by birth. Jesus Christ redeemed us by shedding his own blood for our justification.
--- that everyone was born with this sin.
--- that this sin is remitted by baptism (that’s the application of Christ
death).
Trent’s doctrine on original sin is clear. As Christians we are obliged to believe it with an ecclesial faith. But we should also be aware that in contemporary society many people contest this doctrine, arguing that it contradicts reason: a sin committed by only one man cannot be propagated by birth. In olden times, jurisprudence also admitted a punishment for a group of persons on account of one crime.
Today many questions; How can only one sin affect mankind? The Church as a mother and teacher is quite aware of these difficulties. In fact Pope Paul VI during a symposium on original sin held on 11th July 1966 exhorted theologians “to shed more light on one of the fundamental mysteries of our faith” (AAS 58 (1966) 645). He invited those attending the symposium to study profoundly the doctrine of original sin in the context of modern scientific achievements and contemporary thought.
It is important also to note how Pope Paul VI explained this doctrine in the Credo of the Church “We hold with the Council of Trent, that original sin is transmitted in human nature not by imitation but by propagation”. But the Pope also explained Original sin in the perspective of Christ’s redemption. In his Credo the Pope continued saying “We believe that our Lord Jesus Christ, by his sacrifice on the cross freed us from original and personal sins”.
Philosophy
The dogma on original sin is not a conclusion of
philosophy. But some philosophers reasoned in that all evil around us originates
from some unknown cause.
In fact the philosophers of the 18 th century attacked this doctrine, believing that it is a contradiction. They opined that human nature is good in itself and there is no evil. They were over optimistic, thus considering the doctrine of original sin as a contradiction to reason and their opinions.
But the well known philosopher Emmanuel Kant concluded that there is some evil in human nature. He believed that human nature is evil. This evil is of “radical nature” and not simply accidental. Kant describes this disorder as an “internal guilt”, “and perversion of heart.” It is important to highlight that when this philosopher proceeded with his reasoning in explaining this evil, he concluded that the origin of evil is a mystery.
The next philosopher treating this subject was Fichte. He did not emphasize the evil nature of man but affirmed that human beings lack liberty to do good things.
One modern philosopher observes “If God was absent from concentration camps, it follows that they were caused by the devil”. St. Augustine in his “Confessions” states “I sought whence evil comes and there was no solution” (St. Augustine, Confessions 7,7, 11 PL 32).
Philosophical quest is not enough. To find the truth we should adhere to the revealed message of our faith. In fact the dogma of Original sin is also a doctrine of our redemption by Jesus Christ. As Adam’s sin is transmitted universally, so Christ died for all mankind. The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms “The doctrine of original sin is, so to speak, the ‘reverse side’ of the Good News that Jesus is the Saviour of all men, that all need salvation and that salvation is offered to all through Christ. The Church, which has the mind off Christ, knows very well that we cannot tamper with the revelation of original sin without undermining the mystery of Christ” (Catechism of the Catholic Church no.389).
Although we should always seek to delve into the truths of our religion so as to give richer meaning to our lives, yet we should also be prepared to humbly acknowledge our limits. Such is the case with regards to the transmission of original sin. The Catechism concludes, “Still, the transmission of original sin is a mystery that we cannot fully understand. But we do know by Revelation that Adam had received original holiness and justice not for himself alone, but for all human nature” (Catechism of the Catholic Church no. 404).
Naturally these are only reflection on Original Sin. To know better about this subject we ought to consult other material approved by the Church. But by this orientation can help us as catechists and teachers of religion to get some idea how to explain this truth to modern man.
Bibliography.
Nouvelle Revue Teologique, Mars-Avril 1996.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Commentary on the
Catechism of the Catholic Church, edited by Michael J.Walsh, London 1994.