what is original sin?

Question

I was reading The Golden Compass(which is such a good book) and it said something about the "Dust" being original sin. What is original sin?

Answer 1

In The Golden Compass, Dust represents one's self and independence. Some of the characters in the book refer to it as "original sin" to make independence and thinking for yourself seem like a negative thing of which people should feel ashamed.

Later, we find out that Dust really is actual evidence for the "original sin" of the Bible (or the equivalent of the Bible in the world of The Golden Compass). We learn that when people disobey authority, get creative and curious, and explore their world with an earnest heart and a questioning mind, this is what makes them an individual and sets their spirit free. More importantly, we learn that when people don't fall blindly into line with divine authority, they are able to discern the TRUTH from lies (which is what the alethiometer is all about, right?)

I don't want to spoil the ending for you, though. ;) Keep reading - it's a good book!

Answer 2

Original sin is a Christian doctrine and the basis of Christian beliefs. It is the idea that all people are sinners and even if they lead a complete sinless life, they still are responsible for the sin of Adam in eating the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden. Since all people are sinners, all people need redemption through the Mesiah, aka. Jesus.

This doctrine is not a part of other religions such as Judaism, Islam and all the others. It creates a situation in which there is no way to salvation except by means of surrender to the Christian god..... pretty cool strategy, don't you think?

Answer 3

I think original sin should be called "Original Flaw," because it's about a character defect all humans are born with -- pride.

Pride can take all kinds of shapes. But when you look at why human relationships fail -- including relationship with God, the reason is USUALLY pride. This is a flaw that's hard-wired into our brains, and one we have to work at controlling.

Let me give you an analogy in cats -- the flaw of curiosity. "Curiosity killed the cat" isn't just a saying -- it's real. If a cat sees an open door, they HAVE to know what's inside. Many times this results in them getting trapped and dying. So imagine a mother cat telling her kittens a story, the point of which is "Try to control your curiosity."

That is what the story of Adam and Eve is for us -- a story, the point of which is to try to control this flaw we're born with.

Answer 4

Christians (and Jews) believe that the original sin is directly related to Adam disobeying God and eating the forbidden fruit.

The Bible does not explicitly say "original sin", but this is what is meant by the original sin.

Answer 5

While many theologians have debated what it is exactly, "original sin" refers to when Adam and Eve disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden and ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Where people disagree is if "original sin" refers to pride, disobedience, etc.

Answer 6

Original Sin goes back to the time of Adam and Eve eating the Forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden and not obeying what God told them. He told them to not to eat the fruit.