Many churches believe in "original sin." Did the apostles teach this doctrine?

The Bible teaches that all are affected by Adam’s sin. Yet despite the Fall, we still have free will. We're all accountable for our own sins. Children are born morally innocent, not bearing guilt for Adam’s sin. Neither the New Testament (first century) nor the earlier church fathers (c.100-350) know anything of “original sin.” Children were considered innocent. Consider the evidence:

  • “Having renewed us by the remission of our sins, he has remade us after another pattern. He has created us anew by his Holy Spirit so that we can possess the souls of children.” —  Barnabas (130), Epistle of Barnabas 6
  • “If any righteous man among the Christians passes from the world, they rejoice and offer thanks to God. They escort his body as if he were setting out from one place to another nearby. And when a child has been born to one of them, they give thanks to God. Moreover, if the child happens to die in childhood, they give thanks to God the more, as for one who has passed through the world without sins.” — Aristides (130), Apology 15
  • “These ones are like infant children, in whose hearts no evil originates.” – Hermas (150), The Shepherd  3.9.29.
  • “Who are those who have been saved and have receive the inheritance? Those, doubtless, who believe God and who have continued in his love—as did Caleb of Jephuneh and Joshua of Nun. Also, innocent children, who have had no sense of evil.” – Irenaeus (175), Against Heresies 4.28.3
  • This was also the view of Justin Martyr (AD 160), Melito of Sardis (170), Theophilus (180), Irenaeus (180), and Clement of Alexandria (195).

It would be odd if writers two or three generations after the apostles were unaware of the doctrine of Original Sin—unless that doctrine developed only later, after their time.

Sadly, a shift would begin in the third century, and by the mid-fourth century, most Latin-speaking Christians believed that we inherit a fallen nature from Adam. Yet they still believed humans had free will. They did not believe in “total depravity,” nor did they teach the babies are born damned. Even Augustine (AD 354-430) held these views, but later changed his mind. The doctrine of Original Sin was embryonic, but not yet articulated. Then Augustine, a former Gnostic and highly influential leader, brought several of his mistaken ideas into the church. 1000 years later John Calvin organized Augustine’s doctrines into the theological system called Calvinism.

In short, until Augustine, no one taught that we inherit Adam’s guilt. Original Sin is not an apostolic doctrine. For more on this topic—a talk and a short article, click on Original Sin.