EP teachings on a historical fall and original sin Flashcards
Why are Augustine’s teachings on a historical fall and Original Sin wrong?
It is very unlikely that there was an original moment in history when humans fell from grace: evolutionary biology does not support the idea of Adam and Eve from whom we are all descendants.
Many thinkers reject his ideas because it can be seen to posit the view of a God who is unjust in his punishment of the whole of mankind for the sins of one pair.
Pre to postlapsarian world- how did this come about?
Augustine argues that the sin of the Fall led to a shift in the orientation of human will, that is, a change in human nature itself. Human nature changed from a higher state of being to a lower state, from a focus on God to a focus on the self, thereby causing humankind’s nature to be disrupted.
The nature of original sin.
Augustine held the view that original sin is both an inherited guilt (reatum) and inherited disease (vitium). He grounded his view on Romans 5:12- “Just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned.” Therefore, he asserts that the transmission of original sin from Adam and Eve to every subsequent generation happened through sexual intercourse.
What did Sigmund Freud state about the concept of Original Sin and the Fall?
To put it short, Sigmund Freud states that “A corrupt or evil human nature is the product of society and upbringing, not the result of some ancient sin we all somehow share in.”
How does Richard Dawkins challenge Augustine’s views?
“All life evolves by the differential survival of replicating entities.” → Literal belief in Adam and Eve is senseless as modern science clearly supports the idea that humans evolved from less sophisticated forms of animal life, incapable of consciously making active decisions to rebel.
Therefore, what does evolutionary biology as derived by Dawkins suggest?
Evolutionary biology proves that we simply have not all descended from two original humans.
But, how can this perspective of evolutionary biology be countered?
Augustine’s beliefs are incredibly sincere, and have application on his own experiences detailed in Confessions. Humans are full of failure and challenges.
Who suggests that Augustine’s beliefs have a real life application?
Reinhold Niebuhr.
While it may be unfashionable to talk about sin, failure to understand sin leads to mistakes being made by society. Humans need to understand their imperfect + flawed nature and establish a relationship with God. Then we can understand the true limits.
Again, to override this criticism, what can be said about it?
It is possible to discuss and understand moral and ethical principles without invoking the concept of original sin. Many secular moral frameworks, such as utilitarianism provide alternative explanations for human behaviour and the development of just societies. Focusing on human imperfection and flawed nature may lead to a sense of fatalism.
Why has Augustine’s doctrine been described as a fatalistic teaching?
Augustine’s doctrine is often described as a fatalistic teaching. If sin is inherited and therefore an involuntary act, humankind cannot be held responsible for such sin and God would therefore be unjust to punish humankind for this. Punishment because of an inherited guilt is not reconcilable with God’s righteousness for his goodness.
How can Salvation by Grace be used to counter the view that Augustine’s doctrine is fatalistic?
Salvation by grace. Humans can accept the grace of God, but as they continue to sin, Augustine believed that God elects some people to go to Heaven which is a sign of God’s benevolence, and that he is still prepared to let some people go to Heaven.
Summum Bonum.
Augustine talks about God’s goodness being the summum bonum (greatest good) that is available only for some. It is eternal happiness only found in the permanent presence of God. It can only be given by grace.
Though, how can this point of Salvation by Grace be countered?
In The City of God, Augustine describes all of humanity as being predestined for salvation or damnation. Thus, links to the view of a God who is unjust.
And, which scholar argues for Salvation by Merit?
Pelagius is closely linked to Salvation by merit. He wrote that Augustine was wrong about God’s grace being a gift that only some will benefit from to achieve salvation; as God is omnibenevolent and just it would be unfair for God to predestine those who are to be saved and those who are not.
What does Pelagius think about all of this?
Pelagius believed that our good works would be the route to our salvation. He argued that if this idea was removed then there would be very little point to acting morally at all.
