original sin

noun
1.
Theology.
  1. a depravity, or tendency to evil, held to be innate in humankind and transmitted from Adam to the race in consequence of his sin.
  2. inclination to evil, inherent in human nature.
2.
Roman Catholic Theology. the privation of sanctifying grace in consequence of the sin of Adam.
Origin
1300-50; Middle English; translation of Medieval Latin peccātum orīgināle
Examples from the web for original sin
  • The original sin-taking any position at all-trumps all these other legitimate concerns.
  • In cases of extreme partisanship in gerrymandering, it is often difficult to identify the original sin.
  • But the concept of a capricious cosmos was already jostling in his mind with the notion of original sin.
  • Apparently the doctrine of original sin had not left much of a mark on her.
  • Again, not everyone believes or interprets the concept of original sin in that way.
  • There is a significant element of original sin here because our education system wasn't designed properly in the first place.
  • He did not promote a cult or even a mainstream religion preaching original sin, purgatory and the likelihood of eternal damnation.
  • As in so many scandals, the cover-up compounds the original sin.
  • The genome will answer, too, the age-old question of original sin.
British Dictionary definitions for original sin

original sin

noun
1.
a state of sin held to be innate in mankind as the descendants of Adam
original sin in Culture

original sin definition


The eating of the forbidden fruit by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, which led to their expulsion from Eden by God. In Christian theology, the act by which all humans fell from divine grace.

original sin definition


The sin of Adam and Eve, the essential event of the Fall of Man. According to the most common teaching of Christians, all descendants of Adam and Eve — that is, all people — share in this sin and are, from the time they are conceived, in a state of sin. In German, the term used is Erbsunde, meaning “inherited sin,” a more explanatory term than the English one. Jesus, through his Crucifixion and Resurrection, atoned for original sin. All who believe in Jesus and accept baptism are freed from original sin and experience salvation. (See justification by grace, through faith.)