Original Sin Flashcards
Original Sin
Original sin is the doctrine that all humans are born in a state of sin. Original sin is not an action, but it is part of our nature.
How is Original Sin passed on?
Original Sin is now passed on through sexual intercourse down the generations. Augustine says that ‘we was seminally present in the loins of Adam.’
What does Augustine say about our Will?
Augustine believes that since we all suffer from original sin, we all have a weakened and divided will (akrasia). We are often working at odds with our body.
What did St. Paul write about the dominance of Cupiditas over Caritas?
St. Paul wrote ‘For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I do.’ (Romans 7:18-19)
Name some examples of Cupiditas over Caritas.
An example of Cupiditas over Caritas is not wanting to get out of a warm bed or an erotic dream.
What is the idea of the double death?
Augustine spoke of the idea of the ‘double death’ of humans:
the death of the genuine friendship between God and humans through epistemic distance.
the literal death of becoming mortal.
How does original sin affect society?
The lack of harmony is a problem for society since we only think of ourselves, and not the needs of the population.
What did Augustine say society needed?
St. Augustine argued that we need strong, forceful political leadership to establish boundaries. This would enforce control over human behaviour.
