Compendium Series: Original Sin

76. What is original sin? (CCC404,419)

The Compendium states:

Original sin, in which all human beings are born, is the state of deprivation of original holiness and justice.  It is a sin ‘contracted’ by us not ‘committed’; it is a state of birth and not a personal act.  Because of the original unity of all human beings, it is transmitted to the descendants of Adam ‘not by imitation’, but by ‘propagation’.  This transmission remains a mystery which we cannot fully understand.

What does this mean for me?

1.      The consequence of original sin means that I am inclined to sin, but I am also redeemed from it at baptism and through Christ’s redemption on the cross.

2.      Although original sin is a state of birth, I do not need to add to it by my own personal sins since I lose the grace of holiness and justice when I am tempted by the devil.

3.      I can pray for the grace of holiness and justice and look forward to the day when I am in Heaven without the effects of original sin.

4.      I can read Genesis Chapter 1-3 to understand the concept of original sin more fully

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Questions to consider:

1. Why is the transmission of original sin a mystery?
2. Why is original sin transmitted through propagation rather than imitation of Adam?
3. How can I increase the grace of holiness and justice in my life?
4. How does original sin affect my life personally?