Original sin

Definition

Original sin refers to the Christian doctrine that humanity is born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam and Eve's disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden. This concept underscores the belief that all humans are predisposed to sin and requires divine grace for salvation, impacting various aspects of Puritan thought and literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Original sin was a central theme in the sermons of Cotton Mather and Increase Mather, who emphasized human depravity and the need for redemption.
2. Puritan poetry, such as that of Anne Bradstreet, often explores themes of sin and grace, reflecting the struggles between human weakness and divine mercy.
3. The concept is linked to the Puritan belief in predestination, asserting that only those chosen by God can attain salvation despite their sinful nature.
4. Original sin shaped the moral framework within Puritan society, influencing social norms and personal conduct as they sought to live righteously in accordance with God's will.
5. Literary devices such as allegory and metaphor are frequently employed in Puritan literature to illustrate the implications of original sin and humanity's relationship with God.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of original sin influence the themes found in the sermons of Cotton Mather and Increase Mather?
  • The concept of original sin significantly influences the themes present in the sermons of Cotton Mather and Increase Mather by emphasizing the inherent sinful nature of humanity. They preached about the importance of acknowledging one’s sinful state and seeking repentance through God’s grace. Their sermons served as a moral guide for their congregations, warning them about the consequences of sin while also providing hope through redemption.
• In what ways does Anne Bradstreet's poetry reflect the tension between original sin and divine grace?
  • Anne Bradstreet's poetry reflects the tension between original sin and divine grace through her personal struggles with faith and her acknowledgment of human imperfection. Her works often convey feelings of guilt and anxiety over her sinful nature while simultaneously expressing a deep reliance on God's grace for forgiveness and salvation. This duality illustrates how Puritan beliefs shaped her emotional landscape and literary expression.
• Evaluate how original sin impacts Puritan views on morality and social conduct within their communities.
  • Original sin profoundly impacts Puritan views on morality and social conduct by instilling a sense of vigilance against sinfulness in their communities. The belief that all individuals are born with a sinful nature fosters a culture where members strive for personal piety and communal righteousness. This often leads to strict moral codes, public scrutiny of behavior, and an overarching focus on spiritual disciplines as a means to counteract innate depravity, highlighting their commitment to live according to divine expectations.

Related terms

Total Depravity: A theological belief that, as a result of original sin, every person is born morally corrupt and incapable of choosing good without divine intervention.

Election: The doctrine that God has chosen certain individuals for salvation, reflecting the Puritan belief in predestination tied to original sin.

Grace: The unearned favor of God, which is essential for salvation according to Puritan beliefs, emphasizing the need for divine intervention due to humanity's original sin.