(Note: the blue horizontal menu bar directly above lists the subsections of "Original Sin in the Bible as Read Today." Beginning with "Acceptance of Evolution by Pope John Paul II," be sure to read each of these subsections before moving on to the next primary section, "New Interpretation of Original Sin.")

Original Sin in the Bible as Read Today: Discussion Questions

• Why does Pope John Paul II reject some forms of evolutionary theory while accepting others?



• Is it legitimate to apply categories of literary genres (such as symbol and myth) to Genesis 2-3, the narrative of Adam and Eve? Why, or why not?



• If one were to look for "elements" of a teaching on original sin in the Old and New Testaments, what would they be?



• How do the Greek Fathers understand the issues of grace and original sin?



• What is St. Augustine's understanding of original sin? Does the Council of Trent deviate from this teaching?



• Why do modern theologians seek to reinterpret the traditional doctrine of original sin?



• What is the basic understanding of original sin according to each of the following theologians:



1. Pierre Teilhard de Chardin


2. Karl Rahner


3. Piet Schoonenberg


4. Paul Tillich


5. Herbert Haag


• How do theologians understand the relationship between nature and grace?



• How would you define concupiscence?



• What might be the advantages of newer theological understandings of the Church's doctrine of original sin? Disadvantages?