Why don't Catholics think that Adam and Eve's first sin lost them everlasting life, but seperation?

Answer 1

No, that's NOT what Catholics believe. Catholics believe that Adam and Eve possessed Sanctifying Grace, which is necessary for Salvation. When they sinned, they lost Sanctifying Grace. Since they lost it, the generations that followed were unable to inherit Sanctifying Grace.

You cannot pass down what you have lost.

The doors of Heaven closed. No one, with the exception of a rare few, got in. The souls of the rest were believed to have gone to Sheol. The righteous could not enter Heaven because the bond between God and man was not reconciled until Christ died on the cross.

When Christ died, He restored the bond between God and man, thus allowing the righeous to enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

Regardless, because of Adam and Eve did not obey God's will, instead of passing on God's Sanctifying Grace, we inherited the inclination to sin instead.

Sanctifying Grace is available, but it must be obtained and re-obtained via the Holy Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation, among others.

I hope this answers your question.

Answer 2

Mmmm i'm a Catholic but never really thought of that!!!

Answer 3

dunno