Augustine Original Sin

Liberty University

The Theological Studies of Saint Augustine in Relation to the Doctrine of Original Sin

A Paper Submitted To Dr. John Landers
In Partial Fulfillment for the Course CHHI-520

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary

By
Jaaval Cato

Lynchburg, Virginia
October 7, 2012

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………….3
AUGUSTINE’S TAKE ON ORIGINAL SIN……………………..……………………..…….5
AUGUSTINE’S TAKE ON ORIGINAL SIN AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO BAPTISM…………...7
OPPOSTIONS TO AUGUSTINE’S VIEW ON ORIGINAL SIN …………………......…...10
MANICHEAN IMPACT ON AUGUSTINE’S VIEW OF ORIGINAL SIN...……………….…….....11
PELAGIUS, CELESTIUS, AND JULIAN IN OPPOSITION WITH ORIGINAL SIN…………......13
CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………………………........16BIBLIOGRAPHY…………………………………………...………………………………….17

Introduction The doctrine of original sin has been deliberated by Theologians, as well as Augustine for over fifteen centuries, although it is evidently stated in Romans 5:12 by the Apostle Paul, “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all because all have sinned” (NRSV). By this statement, the apostle Paul informs the reader that sin and death entered the world through one man (Adam), with the result of it permeating the whole of humankind like a poison. “The solidarity of the human race with Adam led Ambrose to say, ‘Adam existed, and in him we all existed... In Adam I fell, and in Adam I was cast out of Paradise, in Adam I died.’” The doctrine of original sin has provoked much opposition amongst religious academia in regards to its teaching. It is one of the most “baleful” of ideas says, one modern scholar; it is “repulsive” and “revolting” says another. I have seen it variously described as an insult to the dignity of humanity, an insult to the grace and loving kindness of God, and an insult to God and humankind alike. Aurelius Augustinus (Saint Augustine) has contributed

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