Bishop Barron on Original Sin

Summary

The video discusses the beginning of Lent as a spiritual 'spring training,' likening it to revisiting the fundamentals in sports. It emphasizes the importance of going back to spiritual basics, drawing on the biblical creation story. Humans are formed from both the clay of the Earth and the breath of divine life, symbolizing our physical and spiritual nature. The video critiques secularism, highlighting that happiness is found in aligning with God's will, not defining good and evil by our own terms, as seen in modern culture. Lent offers a time to reflect on this spiritual journey.

Takeaways

• 💪 Lent is a time for spiritual training, like athletes practicing fundamentals to improve their skills.
• ⛳ Even the greatest, like golfer Jack Nicklaus, would return to the basics of grip, stance, and swing with his childhood instructor.
• 🌍 Humans are created from the clay of the earth, emphasizing our physical embodiment and connection to the planet.
• 🌬 God's breath, or 'ruach,' is the divine spirit that animates us, representing our upward aspiration towards God.
• 🌳 God places humans in a garden, encouraging them to enjoy life fully, with the freedom to experience everything but one tree.
• 🚫 The prohibition of eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil represents humans overstepping by determining good and evil themselves.
• ⚖ The concept of sin is rooted in humans assuming the divine prerogative of determining morality, as seen in Justice Kennedy's statement about liberty.
• 😔 The Fall leads to intense self-consciousness, as symbolized by Adam and Eve realizing their nakedness and becoming self-aware.
• 📖 The core problem isn't specific sins like murder or theft, but the deeper issue of defining good and evil based on personal will rather than God's guidance.
• 🧐 Lent is a time to reflect on our fallen nature and search for the deeper reasons behind human unhappiness, with Genesis 3 offering key insights.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by comparing Lent to 'spiritual spring training'?

The speaker compares Lent to spiritual spring training by emphasizing the importance of returning to the fundamentals, just as athletes do during training, no matter how advanced they are. Lent is a time to refocus on the basics of spiritual life.

How does the speaker connect the creation of humans to the concept of being 'made from the clay of the Earth'?

The speaker explains that being made from the clay of the Earth symbolizes our physical, embodied nature. We are composed of the same molecules and minerals as the Earth, which aligns with scientific understandings like Carl Sagan's idea that 'we are star stuff.'

What is the significance of God breathing 'the breath of life' into humans, according to the speaker?

God breathing the breath of life into humans represents the spiritual dimension within us that aspires to connect with God. This breath signifies our ability to seek higher truths, goodness, and beauty beyond the material world.

How does the speaker contrast Gnosticism and secularism with the biblical vision of humanity?

The speaker contrasts Gnosticism, which sees the body as a problem, and secularism, which denies the spiritual dimension, with the biblical view that humans are both physical (from the Earth) and spiritual (animated by God's breath). Both aspects are essential in the biblical vision.

What does the Garden of Eden symbolize in the speaker's interpretation?

The Garden of Eden symbolizes a place of abundance and flourishing, where God desires humans to fully enjoy life. The various trees represent all the wonderful aspects of life, such as philosophy, art, science, and relationships, which God freely allows humans to enjoy.

Why does God prohibit humans from eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil?

God prohibits humans from eating from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil because the ability to determine good and evil is God's prerogative alone. The original sin involves humans arrogating this divine role for themselves, leading to the fall from grace.

What does the speaker identify as the fundamental sin or problem in the biblical story of the Fall?

The fundamental sin, according to the speaker, is the human desire to decide for themselves what is good and evil, rather than accepting God's authority. This act of self-determination is seen as the root cause of human misery and dysfunction.

How does the speaker relate the Supreme Court decision in Casey v. Planned Parenthood to the story of the Fall?

The speaker relates the Supreme Court decision to the Fall by highlighting Justice Kennedy's statement that liberty involves the right to define one's own concept of existence. The speaker sees this as a modern expression of humans claiming the divine prerogative to determine good and evil.

What is the significance of Adam and Eve realizing they are naked after the Fall?

Adam and Eve's realization of their nakedness symbolizes their uncomfortable self-consciousness and self-preoccupation, which is a consequence of their attempt to take control of good and evil. This self-awareness is linked to the fall from a more outward, God-centered life.

Why does the speaker suggest that the story of the Fall is relevant during Lent?

The speaker suggests that the story of the Fall is relevant during Lent because it helps us understand the root cause of human unhappiness and spiritual dysfunction. Lent is a time to reflect on these deeper issues and return to the fundamentals of spiritual life.