Original Sin

Original Sin is the sin by which the first human beings disobeyed God, lost the grace of original holiness, and subjected all their descendants to a fallen human nature marked by sin, suffering, and death (CCC 396–412).

The Two Dimensions

Original Sin has two aspects: the personal act of disobedience by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and the fallen state of human nature inherited by every person born into the world. Every human being except Jesus and Mary inherits this fallen nature — not by personal fault but by descent from Adam (CCC 404).

What Original Sin Does to Us

Original Sin wounds human nature in four ways: darkening the intellect, weakening the will, introducing concupiscence (disordered desires), and subjecting us to suffering and death. These wounds remain even after Baptism (CCC 405, 1264).

Christ as the New Adam

Jesus Christ is the "new Adam" — where Adam's disobedience brought death, Christ's obedience brought life (Romans 5:12–21). The grace of Christ's redemption surpasses and conquers the damage of Adam's sin (CCC 411).

Forgiven in Baptism

The guilt of Original Sin is fully forgiven through Baptism. The wounds it leaves — concupiscence, suffering, death — remain but are no longer condemnation; through grace they become occasions of spiritual growth (CCC 1263–1264).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Original Sin a fairy tale? The Church teaches Original Sin is a historical reality — not necessarily that Genesis 3 is literal reportage, but that something real happened that explains the universal human condition of sin, suffering, and death. The historicity of the Fall is required by Catholic faith (CCC 390).