Doctrine of Original Sin: Invention of a Born-Again Sex-Addict - Part 1

Introduction:

Two weeks back, when I thought of writing about ‘Original Sin’, I believed the exercise to be an easy walkover. However, this topic proved otherwise. To understand the development of the doctrine of original sin by St. Augustine, one must study it biblically, philosophically, theologically and believe it or not, in the context of the politics of the time as well. Elaine Pagels, in her book, Adam, Eve, and the Serpent, has tried to analyze Augustine’s thinking on this issue.

She deals in detail about the influence of the story of the creation of the first humans, Adam and Eve, as found in Genesis chapters 1-3, on the religious and social life of Jewish people and early Christian thinkers. On my first reading, the life of debauchery of his youth and the later conversion of St. Augustine that led him to develop the idea of 'Original Sin', did not strike any noteworthy chord in me. However, on the second reading of this book, I am beginning to understand the enormity of the damage this doctrine has done to the thinking and consequent behavior of ordinary Christians for more than a millennium and a half.

St. Augustine: Early life:

Aurelius Augustinus (354-430) was born in Thagaste, a place in modern-day Algeria, North Africa. His father Patricius was a pagan, and his mother Monica, a devout Christian.

At the age of 17, Augustine was sent to Carthage where he

specialized in rhetoric. Although raised as a Christian, he left the Church to follow the Manichaean religion. As a young man, Augustine led a hedonistic lifestyle for a time, associating with young men who boasted of their sexual exploits. At around this time, he began an affair with a young woman of low social standing in Carthage. She remained his lover for fifteen years and gave birth to his son Adeodatus (372-388), meaning ‘gift of God’. In 385, Augustin ended the relationship with his lover to prepare himself for marriage to a ten-year-old heiress. Since he had to wait for two years for his fiancée to come of marriageable age, he procured another concubine as he had become a slave to lust.

In later life, he would come to regret the immoral behavior of his

younger days. He was particularly sorry about his heartless ambition to marry well, leading him to abandon more than one concubine.

In 386, he had a strange experience. A childlike voice prompted him to take up and read the bible. He did so; the page he opened contained Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 13: 13-14. 

Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.

Soon, Augustine converted to Christianity and started leading an ascetic life. He was baptized along with his son Adeodatus in 387. In 391 he was ordained a priest; in 395 he was made coadjutor Bishop of Hippo Regis, presently the place named Annaba in modern-day Algeria. Soon, he was made full Bishop.

The story of man’s creation and fall.

Chapters 1-3 of Genesis deal with the creation of the universe 

followed by that of the first couple Adam and Eve; their carefree life in the garden of Eden; temptation by the devil who appears in the form of a serpent and their disobedience of God’s instruction leading to their fall and consequent expulsion from the garden. 

Part 2 will deal with Augustine's rationale for the doctrine of 'Original Sin'  and the thoughts of Pelagius, a British monk, and theologian who vehemently opposed Augustine's views.