Term

Original Sin

The doctrine that humans inherit a tainted nature at birth that is inclined toward sin and in need of regeneration.

Filed underAnthropology & Hamartiology

Definition

The doctrine which holds that, by the very fact of birth into the human race, a person inherits a "tainted" nature in need of regeneration and with an inclination to sinful conduct.

Connections

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Sources

  1. 1.Alan Richardson and John Bowden The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983). 420Original citation: Richardson, Alan, and John Bowden. The Westminster Dictionary of Christian Theology. Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1983, 420.

Last revised August 14, 2026