Original Sin
The Christian doctrine that humanity inherited sinfulness from Adam and Eve's primordial disobedience. Original sin explains human sinfulness's universality and justifies Christ's redemption. Augustine emphasized inherited guilt; Irenaeus stressed inherited corruption; modern theology debates whether original sin doctrine is coherent.
Real World
Pope Francis's 2015 encyclical Laudato Si' references original sin as the root of humanity's tendency to exploit creation, showing the doctrine still shapes Catholic social teaching today.
Exam Focus
When 'assess' questions ask about original sin, contrast Augustine's inherited guilt with Irenaeus's developmental view to access top-band marks.
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