In the Garden: the Problem of Sin

This week's lesson focused on Genesis chapter 3 and the disobedience of Adam and Eve.
We discussed various views of sin: 1) deviation from what is good 2) defiance toward God (rebelliousness) 3) the sinner's inner state (intentional badness) 4) ethical aspects (to be evil or wicked) 5) the terrible results of sin (trouble and sorrow) 6) sin as denoting guilt.

The serious of sin is separation from God. Oneness with God ws conceived as the sole source of well-being, and that apart from God people are lost sinners, unable to save themselves or find true happiness.

We reviewed the doctrine of original sin from St. Paul to St. Augustine to John Calvin. St. Paul, in Romans, gave a theological basis for sin in his observation that sin came to all people through one man, Adam, and righteousness is offered to all people through one man, Jesus Christ. St. Augustine instilled the idea of "original sin" in traditional beliefs, which teaches that even babies are born with the fatal infliction of sin and will go to hell if not baptized. Many people still believe this, though the doctrine is greatly challenged especially in Protestantism. However, John Calvin, a Swedish theologian and one of the founding personalities of what became the Presbyterian church, had strong opinions on this and insisted, upon threat of torture and death, that people agree with him.

We divided into small discussion groups and focused on three questions: 1) What is your definition of sin? 2) What do you believe about Adam's sin staining your soul at birth? 3) If there is "original sin", what does that mean for unbaptized babies?

The United Methodist Church views sin as a problem of will. Wesley described our weakness as will as a "bent toward sinning". Children are seen as born in grace and innocent of wrongdoing -- though in growing up will need to deal with this "bent" in themselves. The United Methodist Church practices baptism of infants as an affirmation of their place in God's family, the Church. When Jesus declared, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God" he was speaking of very small children (paidia) whom we would consider infants, wobblers, and toddlers.

For next week, please read Genesis, chapter 4. We will continue our discussion of sin in the context of the meaning of Genesis 3 and 4. Thanks for another great class & see you here or at St. Paul's UMC, 1730 St. Clair, at 10:00 Sunday October 7.

Harrell and Dan