Original Sin or Original Sinfulness?

AbstractIn the first of four articles, I argue against Augustine's interpretation of Genesis chapter 3 and his account of the origin of the first sin and its consequences. In the remaining three articles, I offer an alternative interpretation of Genesis 3 within the context of Genesis 1–11, attempting to do more justice than Augustine to the data of scripture and, in particular, placing a strong emphasis on the speech of the Lord God at the end of Genesis 3. My argument is supported by reference to Mary Douglas's Purity and Danger. I do not minimise the amount of sin in the world but account for it on the basis of what I call the basic human situation rather than on the basis of a single cataclysmic act. I present my account as grounded in a more accurate understanding of scripture than Augustine's and in a richer and deeper version of salvation history. One conclusion is that the default setting of humanity is not damnation but that Man still stands in need of salvation.