Human sinfulness affirmed; Augustinian original sin not universally taught
Disciples affirm that all humans are sinners in need of redemption, but the specific doctrine of original sin — inherited Adamic guilt — is not mandated by the denomination's creedless tradition. The Restoration Movement historically rejected infant baptism partly on the basis that infants are not guilty of sin; this suggests a non-Augustinian view of original sin was built into the tradition's foundations.
Progressive Disciples may articulate human fallenness in terms of systemic sin, structural injustice, and collective moral failure rather than in traditional terms of inherited depravity. Both approaches acknowledge the reality of human sinfulness without necessarily sharing the same ontological framework.
Key Distinctions
- Doctrine type:
- inherited depravity — sinful tendencies and corruption inherited; guilt views vary
- Free will effect:
- will unable to turn to God without enabling grace
- Infant guilt:
- depends on tradition — many hold infants are safe; some affirm inherited guilt
Scripture References
Sources
- Disciples of Christ, Design of the Christian Church (1968)