original sin

noun

1. Theology.
   1. a depravity, or tendency to evil, held to be innate in humankind and transmitted from Adam to all humans in consequence of his sin.
   2. inclination to evil, inherent in human nature.
2. Roman Catholic Theology. the privation of sanctifying grace in consequence of the sin of Adam.

original sin

noun

1. a state of sin held to be innate in mankind as the descendants of Adam

original sin

¹

1. The sin of Adam and Eve , the essential event of the Fall of Man . According to the most common teaching of Christians (see also Christian ), all descendants of Adam and Eve — that is, all people — share in this sin and are, from the time they are conceived, in a state of sin. In German, the term used is Erbsunde , meaning “inherited sin,” a more explanatory term than the English one. Jesus , through his Crucifixion and Resurrection , atoned for original sin. All who believe in Jesus and accept baptism are freed from original sin and experience salvation (see also salvation ). ( See justification by grace, through faith .)

original sin

²

1. The eating of the forbidden fruit by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden , which led to their expulsion from Eden by God. In Christian theology , the act by which all humans fell from divine grace.

Word History and Origins

Origin of original sin¹

1300–50; Middle English; translation of Medieval Latin peccātum orīgināle

Example Sentences

As my friend Phil Maciak has written, “letting Brody live past the first season” was Homeland's “original sin.”

From The Daily Beast

The original sin, in my view, was Gore's attempt to recount just the votes in a few heavily Democratic counties.

From The Daily Beast

I do not believe in original sin—not at all—but I do put some importance on the presence of grace.

From The Daily Beast

Man's enthusiasm in praise of a fellow mortal, is soon damped by the original sin of his nature—rebellious pride!

From Project Gutenberg

Christianity degrades and restrains humanity with the shackles of "original sin."

From Project Gutenberg

I humbly pray thee, most gracious Mother, obtain for me the grace to overcome the bitter results of original sin.

From Project Gutenberg

The invocation, "Queen conceived without the stain of original sin," was added to the Litany of Loreto.

From Project Gutenberg

Being preserved from original sin, she surpassed in holiness, from the first moment of her existence, all angels and men.

From Project Gutenberg