I have mentioned to some friends close to me about my dream of putting into written form what I see as problems that stem from a literal approach to the teaching of original sin. Some do not have adequate background to appreciate the dichotomy between the beliefs of most western Christian theology and science as it pertains to original sin.
Many have not considered the path that is set before one when original sin is adopted as a part of their theology. The Christian avenue has a number of parallel paths that can be taken, differing somewhat left or right on mostly non-essential and somewhat obscure issues. A fair number of groups see only their theology path as legitimate and heaven bound. Some believe other parallel paths will result in the same eternal reward, but believe their way is the true way with God accepting some deviations of interpretation of certain parts and issues.
Along with the lessor points there are a number of basic tenets in Christianity and Judaism that shape and mold the downstream action and characteristics of the followers of those faiths that still divide the groups of faith. In nearly all groups one such issue is the literal interpretation of Genesis. This position brings with it an event of failure by the first created humans. The blame for that failure is then passed along and the guilt and separation from God shared by all descendants of those two humans, which is all humans in the literal interpretation model. This is original sin.
The resultant criteria from taking this literal view is the basis for my research. I want to look at all of the paths this viewpoint includes. One very obvious path is the denial of an evolutionary process of the human family. But there are others as well. And with each line in the sand come consequences that further divide thought process and require that a person take a position either to the left or right of the resultant issue.
The resultant issues are my focus. I hope this doesn't take the rest of my life. I do have other interests!
