Denies
Original sin is not real; evil is an error of mortal mind
Christian Science rejects the doctrine of original sin. Sin, including the sin of Adam and Eve, is not a reality but an error of mortal consciousness. Humanity does not inherit a sinful nature or guilt from Adam; rather, humanity inherits the false belief that matter and material existence are real, while Spirit alone is actual.
The Genesis account is understood symbolically: Adam represents mortal mind, and the Fall represents the erroneous belief in separation from God. Since God created man in His image and saw that creation was good, sin has no actual place in God's creation. Individuals are bound only by the illusions they accept, not by inherited depravity.
Key Distinctions
- Doctrine type:
- original sin is not a spiritual reality; it is an error of mortal mind with no ultimate existence
- Free will effect:
- free to choose Truth (God) over error
- Infant guilt:
- not applicable — sin is not a material inheritance
Scripture References
Sources
- Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy