Original Sin

Genesis 3,4,5
Today's reading from Genesis reminds us of the state of humanity. Although Christianity is a hopeful faith, it does take a gloomy view of human ability. In a word, we are born broken. When Adam and Eve chose rebellion they obtained the knowledge of good and evil. We all have that knowledge although I don't think it helps us all that much. Most of know right from wrong what we lack is the capacity to act on it. There is something fundamentally flawed with the human creature. We were created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1) but that image is now shattered. The evidence of this brokenness is played out in Genesis 4 with the murder of Abel and our brokenness is continually played out in our propensity for all forms of violence.

Sometimes people will argue that because we are born with certain tendencies, that it is God's will for our lives. Genesis and the Christian doctrine of "Original Sin" tells us otherwise. Our urges, desires, and motivations, are broken and flawed. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, said that the doctrine of Original sin is the only doctrine of our faith that can be proved empirically. All we need to do is read the paper, watch the news or take a good look around. We are flawed and broken creatures desperately in need of redemption and healing.

The Good News is in Luke 2. The birth of Jesus, the Messiah, is God's plan to redeem us all.

bj