Original sin?

 We are told that Chapter 5 of Romans is where the doctrine of ‘original sin’ originated for many Christians, starting with Augustine (354-430 AD).

I had had what seemed like a revelation about original sin (I am not ready to share it just now), so I looked on JSH-Online to see what students of Christian Science had written of their insights into this important theological subject.

Here are some excerpts from an article of profound interest from the January 14, 2002 edition of the Christian Science Sentinel.

I'm not Eve—women's place in theology redefined

By Katherine Degrow

A VOTE TAKEN TO DECIDE whether women are human! In the year 584 A.D., a council was held in Lyon, France, where the question of women's humanity was debated by church leaders. Sixty-three delegates were present; 32 voted yes and 31 voted no. Women were declared human by one vote.

What could possibly have led Christendom to such a place? Something must have gone awry from the time when Jesus walked the earth. Jesus associated with women freely and welcomed them as followers. In fact, one account tells of his holding what might be considered a theological conversation with a woman of Samaria—at a time when men of his culture would not even acknowledge their mothers or sisters in public. Women remained by Jesus' side at the cross and were the first at the tomb after his resurrection. Such a debate as was held at Lyon nearly 600 years later could not have been based on the examples given in the gospel stories.

… Augustine believed that humanity was irreparably damaged by "the fall."

… The view of women as sinners became strongly entrenched and was preached from pulpits for centuries to come. "Eve caused the fall of man," thundered the preachers, "and brought sin and all our woe into the world."

… As for society as a whole, women have made great gains in most areas of life, and their God-given talents have found expression to greatly enrich humanity. Yet women still suffer in many parts of the world.

I hope readers will turn to this most helpful article. Simply click on the title (above, in blue) or ask the Librarian at your local Christian Science Reading Room to locate the article for you.

Joyce Voysey