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Original Sin
| The idea of original
sin is to describe a reason for mankind’s present separation from God.
Some try to explain it as a biological defect that has been inherited
from Adam. However, it may be as simple as that creatures given free
will will always seek after their own interests rather than those of
their creator. This is less a rebellion then it is prioritizing that
which seems to serve self.
Serving self or being selfish does not sound too bad. It is often
thought of a simply being rude. However, when one takes a look at
history there are many examples of the self-righteous killing people,
the self-important misleading people, and the self indulgent corrupting
people. Selfishness has a much darker potential than just being
rude. While most people learn to limit their selfishness enough to stay
out of jail, some go on to be mass murderers.
Severe consequences are not enough to motivate all to limit their
selfishness. The two people next to Jesus when he was crucified were
thieves. Apparently the death penalty for theft was insufficient enough
to discourage thieves. We get a picture of how intense human pursuit of
self is from the flood. God cursed the earth after Adam and Eve left
the garden. This level of difficulty did not help them restrin their
selfishness. We are told that every imagination of their hearts was
only evil continually.
The changes with the flood (shorter lifespan, susceptibility to
disease, and environmental changes like winter and droughts produced
enough hardship that people would be forced to care for each other and
even be open to hearing about God. However, since the Industrial
Revolution technological innovations have reduce the difficulty in life
so that our human selfishness has again demonstrated our disinterest in
God.
There is nothing that can save society. However, individuals can find
the solution to the problem of selfishness by getting rid of it. Most
people do not see any advantage in this. However, for Christians it is
expected. We are to not live for ourselves (2Cor 5:15). We are to
mature into Christ-likeness (Eph 4:13). This is done by putting to
death (Rom 8:13) the works of the flesh (Gal 5:17-21). This is
accomplished through starvation (Rom 13:14).
This is so alien to our natural self, that it can seem ridiculous.
However, we can observe that in life the natural selfishness of
children has to give way in marriage and parenthood so that the needs
of others can be accommodated. Many families have been destroyed
because people could not give up even some of their natural selfishness.
While many people think of sin as law breaking and do not think of
themselves as lawbreakers, most everyone can recognize some of their
natural selfishness. So rather than trying to apply the theological
construct of original sin, it might be more accurate to define our
separation from God as a result of our natural inclination to seek
after ourselves more than be interested in God.
Seeking after self is a sort of self consumption that ultimately leads
to isolation, self-stimulation, and frustration with others.
Selflessness is liberating and in love can seek after the good of
others. Selfless love is the character of God and is available to
Christians who choose to abandon the flesh and walk by the power of the
Holy Spirit.
2Co 5:15 And that he died for all, that they which live should
not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them,
and rose again.
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