The Historical Fall & Original Sin

Are Augustine’s teachings on a historical Fall and Original Sin wrong? Are Augustine’s teachings on the historical Fall correct? ‘Augustine’s views on Original Sin are false’ – How far do you agree? “The Fall was not a historical event” – Discuss. Assess Augustine’s interpretation of Genesis. “The idea that Original Sin is passed on through sex is outdated” – Discuss.

(Intro)

Augustine teaches that humanity inherits Original Sin from Adam and Eve’s historical Fall (Genesis 3).

But has been challenged by many theologians on the accuracy of this event or its meaning.

Will be arguing FOR/AGAINST (depending on situation) (change it at the end if easier)

Paragraph 1 (Biblical/Theological Support)

Argument 1 (Biblical/Theological Support):

Augustine - The Fall is literal; humans inherit sin through Adam + Eve in the book of Genesis. Original Sin explains universal moral corruption and need for grace.

Counter-Argument

Richard Dawkins - Science + evolution. Genetically? An idea of an original sinful couple is scientifically untenable.

Evaluation: (just figure it out)

Paragraph 2

Argument 2 (Original Sin is the explanation for why we Sin):

Augustine; St. Paul illustrates inner conflict of human will (concupiscence). Original Sin explains why humans cannot consistently act morally (Cupiditas dominates). makes sense right?

Counter-Argument

Sigmund Freud — human selfishness and evil arise from upbringing and unconscious drives. Social/psychological explanations suffice.

Evaluation: Explains morality within theology; less convincing for secular ethics.

Paragraph 3

Argument 3 (Ethical Implications)

Augustine - Original Sin highlights dependence on divine grace

Counter-Argument

Pelagius — humans free to choose good (no inherited sin). Punishing all humans for Adam’s sin seems unjust.

Evaluation:

Ethical tension; supports grace-based theology but challenges universal justice.