Send a theological question or topic request

Original sin is one of the most foundational and controversial doctrines in Christian theology. The moment you start discussing it, questions about the human will, guilt, grace, baptism, regeneration, and predestination quickly follow.

In this episode of The Restless Theologian, Zech sits down with Cory Reckner to explore the doctrine of original sin and why it shapes nearly every part of the Christian understanding of salvation.

The conversation compares three major perspectives:

• Eastern Orthodox teaching on ancestral sin
• Roman Catholic doctrine shaped by the Council of Trent
• The Reformed view of imputation and total depravity

Together we wrestle with some of the hardest questions in theology:

• Is it unjust for God to count Adam’s sin against humanity?
• Does Scripture teach the idea of corporate guilt?
• Why does Paul place Adam and Christ side by side in Romans 5?
• Are humans spiritually weak, or spiritually dead after the fall?

Along the way we also discuss:

• concupiscence and disordered desire
 • Augustine’s influence on Western theology
 • traducianism and the origin of the soul
 • infant baptism and the Pelagian controversy
 • the relationship between depravity, regeneration, and predestination

At the heart of the discussion is the biblical parallel between Adam and Christ. If Adam’s disobedience brings condemnation, Christ’s obedience brings justification and life. Understanding that structure helps explain why the doctrine of original sin matters so much for the gospel itself.

If you enjoy thoughtful theological discussions, subscribe to The Restless Theologian and share this episode with someone who enjoys wrestling with deep biblical questions.

Support the show