Day 57: Consequences of Adam’s Sin — The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Summary

Father Mike Schmitz discusses the concept of Original Sin in the Catholic faith, as covered in paragraphs 402-406 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. He explains that Original Sin is a state of being, not an act, inherited by all humans due to Adam's disobedience. Despite the consequences of a weakened nature and inclination towards sin, humans remain good but broken. Schmitz emphasizes the need for God's grace and the importance of baptism in overcoming Original Sin, while also highlighting the spiritual battle that believers face due to the lingering effects of this inherited state.

Takeaways

• 📖 The 'Catechism in a Year' podcast is a journey through the Catechism of the Catholic Church, exploring God's plan for humanity as revealed in scripture and tradition.
• 👨‍🦲 Father Mike Schmitz is the host of the podcast, guiding listeners through the Catechism with daily readings and reflections.
• 📚 The podcast is sponsored by Ascension and uses the Ascension edition of the Catechism, which includes the Foundations of Faith approach.
• 🔢 On day 57 of the podcast, the focus is on paragraphs 402-406, which discuss the consequences of Adam's sin and the concept of original sin.
• 🍏 Original sin is described as a state of being 'contracted' rather than 'committed', affecting all of humanity from birth, not as a personal act but as a result of Adam's disobedience.
• 🧩 Saint Paul's teachings are highlighted, emphasizing that just as sin and death came into the world through one man's disobedience, salvation comes through Christ's righteousness.
• 🛑 The church teaches that the misery and inclination towards evil in the world are connected to Adam's sin, which has been transmitted to all human beings.
• 🛁 The sacrament of baptism is mentioned as a means to erase original sin and turn individuals back towards God, though the consequences of the sin in human nature persist.
• 💉 The concept of 'concupiscence' is introduced as the inclination towards sin that remains in human nature due to original sin.
• 🤝 The unity of the human race is underscored, with all people implicated in Adam's sin and all participating in Christ's salvation.
• 🙏 The importance of prayer and the recognition of the need for God's grace in overcoming the brokenness caused by original sin are emphasized.

Q & A

What is the 'Catechism in a Year' podcast about?

The 'Catechism in a Year' podcast is a program that aims to read through the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days, exploring God's plan of goodness for humanity as revealed in scripture and Catholic tradition.

What is the significance of day 57 in the podcast?

On day 57, the podcast focuses on reading paragraphs 402-406 of the Catechism, discussing the consequences of Adam's sin for humanity and the concept of original sin.

Why is the Ascension edition of the catechism recommended for following along with the podcast?

The Ascension edition of the catechism is recommended because it includes the foundations of Faith approach, making it a comprehensive resource for understanding the teachings discussed in the podcast.

What does Father Mike Schmitz mean when he says original sin is 'contracted' and not 'committed'?

Father Mike Schmitz explains that original sin is 'contracted' rather than 'committed' to emphasize that it is a state into which all humans are born, rather than a personal act of sin that each individual would have to commit.

How does the Catholic Church view the transmission of original sin to all human beings?

The Catholic Church teaches that original sin is transmitted to all human beings through the unity of the human race as one body, with Adam's sin affecting all of humanity and being passed down through generations.

What is the difference between 'Plagianism' and the 'Pelagian heresy' mentioned in the script?

Plagianism and Pelagianism are heresies that misinterpret the concept of original sin. Plagianism, associated with Pelagius, suggests that Adam's sin was merely a bad example and that humans can live morally good lives through their own free will without divine grace. Pelagianism goes further, suggesting that humans can achieve salvation without divine aid.

What is the Catholic Church's stance on the concept of 'total depravity'?

The Catholic Church rejects the concept of 'total depravity,' which is a belief held by some non-Catholic Christian denominations that humans are so corrupted by sin that they are incapable of good. Instead, the Church teaches that humans, while affected by original sin, remain good but broken and in need of God's grace.

How does baptism relate to the concept of original sin?

Baptism is the sacrament that erases original sin and restores the original holiness and justice that Adam and Eve lost. It turns a person back toward God, although the consequences of original sin, such as the inclination towards sin and death, persist.

What are the consequences of original sin mentioned in the script?

The consequences of original sin include a darkening of the intellect, a weakening of the will, an inclination towards sin (concupiscence), and the inevitability of physical death.

How does the script emphasize the interconnectedness of all humanity in relation to original sin and salvation?

The script highlights that all humans are implicated in Adam's sin and that the salvation offered through Christ's righteousness is universal. It underscores the idea that we are all connected in our brokenness and that Jesus' act of righteousness is for all, requiring our cooperation with God's grace.

What role does prayer play in the context of the teachings on original sin and spiritual battle?

Prayer is emphasized as a means of seeking God's grace and strength in the spiritual battle against the brokenness caused by original sin. It is also a way to remind ourselves of our interconnectedness and the need to pray for one another.