Are we bad or good?
What image of ourselves do we get from the “Christianity” of the public square? With the lyrics to Amazing Grace, “a wretch like me,” and such an emphasis on sin, including the concept of Original Sin, if any of us come away with even a hint of goodness and power, we’re lucky.
We need to be luckier.
In the theological world, to put it very briefly, there were (and are!) two competing views: Original Sin teaches we are created flawed and our disorder is even imbedded in nature itself. Original Goodness — have you heard this term? — teaches we are bearers of the image and likeness of God. We are good.
Original Sin won the day.
Good theology steps back, knowing God is always more. How can both be operative? For sure, we sin, egregiously at times. But let’s also acknowledge we can be incredibly good (when we cooperate with God), powerfully so. If Original Goodness was taught just as much or more than Original sin, might we all be expecting more from ourselves and others?
Reflection
Does the doctrine of Original Sin or Original Goodness empower you more to become the person God created you to be?
Prayer
Dear God, we are being taught to see ourselves and this world negatively. Help me to realize this is not the whole truth. May I see myself, others, and the world as You see! May I experience the hope, joy, peace, and motivation that comes from seeing the Good! Amen.