Mar 11, 2011 4 min read

Scripture readings: Genesis 3:1-12 and 4:1-8. Text: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” Psalm 51:5.

We apologize to the ladies for this message because they like what is emotional and touches their precious hearts. This time we will be rather theological and rational as we deal with an abstract, biblical concept.

Philosophy knows many expressions that start with “argumentum,” (they are definitions in Latin) for instance “argumentum ad judicium” (think of the English word “judicatory”) means “a reasoning grounded on the common sense of mankind” (Dagobert D. Runes: Dictionary of Philosophy). Another definition belonging to theology is “ARGUMENTUM EX SILENTIO” (think of the English word “silence”). This means the proof is presented not by spoken word or written document but by “silence,” that is, what has not been mentioned. (Think of the child’s face after he spilled the milk and did not dare to speak.)

“THE ORIGINAL SIN” (IN LATIN: PECCATUM ORIGINIS) WAS ESTABLISHED THROUGH ARGUMENTUM EX SILENTIO.

Please read our scripture readings and text and you will find that the concept is there. The word sin is mentioned first in Genesis 4:7. In Genesis chapter three we learn about the fall of Adam and Eve (what happened in the Garden of Eden) and the next chapter starts with how Cain had killed his brother Abel.

Was Cain’s viciousness and murderous attitude inherited from his parents after they had been expelled from Eden?

Although the Bible does not mention explicitly “ORIGINAL SIN,” through indirect references it is there (argumentum ex silentio). For instance: “Even from birth the wicked go astray; from the womb they are wayward and speak lies.” Psalm 58:3. – “How then can a man be righteous before God? How can one born of woman be pure?” Job 25:4. – Read also Genesis 6:5, Job 15:14, 15:35, and John 9:34.

There are several concepts that are seen and interpreted differently by the church and by the world.

One of them is sin, more specifically the original sin. Theologians trace sin back to Adam and Eve as they disobeyed God and had to bear the consequences of their action, please read Genesis 3:14-19. The scholars and scientists state: sin is rather a behavior problem, and it originates from an unhappy childhood, a genetic aberration, a bad influence and an irresistible temptation. Babies are born innocent. Counseling, therapy and medication can help the “confused, wayward people.”

PUTTING THE THEOLOGICAL EXPRESSION OF “ORIGINAL SIN” ON THE BACK BURNER, WHAT DO BIBLICAL SCHOLARS AND SECULAR SCIENTISTS HAVE IN COMMON CONCERNING SIN?

I assume we would agree that none of us is PERFECT. We are willing to admit our mistakes, shortcomings and wrongdoings. As long as the mistakes are small and do not hurt anyone, they can be overlooked; however, when serious consequences result from transgressions, the case may end up in court and the culprit will be found either guilty or innocent.

Think about these expressions: “sins of commission” and “sins of omission.” Damage can be done by doing something wrong or by not doing what should have been done.

If we agree with the Psalmist: “Surely I was sinful at birth +” – see our text – then how can we be held responsible for our wrongdoings? The teaching of the original sin does not mean that we are totally and helplessly under the control of evil. There is repentance and forgiveness for EVERY SAVED sinner who seeks it. The grace of God is not limited to just a few persons or to some venial or minor mistakes.

Now let us ask ourselves, do we find such serious problems in our society that are not mentioned at all, yet many of us sense or perceive them? Do hidden signs indirectly forebode their grave consequences? Does the church have a prophetic responsibility to make such problems known while the world remains silent?

Although we start the season of Lent trying to pay serious attention to venial, mortal and original sins, we will sin. However, the good news is spelled out by Apostle Paul: “For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” 1 Corinthians 15:21-22, and: “For the wages

of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.

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The Rev. Alexander Jalso is a retired United Presbyterian minister living in Brownsville.