Within the Theodicy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Catechism teaches the doctrine of ‘Original’ sin. Drawing upon the third chapter of the Creation story in Genesis, the Catechism sheds light upon the fall of humanity using the ‘drama of sin’ narrative.(Cat. 289) In drawing upon a literal/historic view of the Genesis story, the Catechism does not reflect contemporary scholarship concerning science and evolution. Thus, in the light of modern scholarship the question arises as to whether teachings of ‘Original’ sin are outdated, unintelligible, and ultimately incorrect.
Obviously there is more to evil in the world than what we cause ourselves. Aware of a conscious ‘concupiscence’ (Cat. 418), the Church teaches that humankind experiences a ‘tendency towards evil’. Furthermore, due to the evidence of evil in which one is born and to which one is attracted, man is left to question ‘Why’ evil exists.(Cat. 284) Using figurative language, but affirming a primeval event, the Catechism offers its answer in referring to an ‘original’ sinful act which took place at the beginning of history of man. Thus, the Catechism uses the Genesis story in offering answers to the fall of man, the existence of sin, and ultimately the existence of evil. (Cat. 390)
Claiming that the Catechism is bound up with literalisation and historicisation Gabriel Daly argues that the ‘Original’ sin of an ‘Adamic’ myth is not suffice in answering the questions of ‘Why’ evil is existent within the universe (Daly 97). Admitting conflicting models of Genesis and Neo-scholastic theories of evolution, Daly questions how sin can be explained in the light of evolutionary theory and existential insights.(Daly 101, 102) Thus, upon encountering a new endeavor of analysis and synthesis, Daly urges Scientific and Critical thought in rationalizing the existence of sin and evil.(Daly 102, 103) Drawing upon Biological heredity, the influence of human society, and Environmentalist theory (Daly 103) Daly recognizes extrinsic forces rather than inherent predispositions as to explaining the nature and existence of sin. (Daly 107)
Ultimately, the Catechism does not reflect contemporary scholarship, and rather it narrates a figurative, symbolic, and ancient world view. Focused on religious truths rather than scientific truths, the Catechism dwells within Creation centered spirituality. Concerning the fall/redemption spirituality of the Christian economy, a literalized myth exists as the core of the Catechisms explanation of fallen humanity.(Daly 106) However, the Catechism goes on to teach that the existence of evil and sin in which humankind exists reveals a mystery that we cannot fully understand.
Obviously there is more to evil in the world than what we cause ourselves. Aware of a conscious ‘concupiscence’ (Cat. 418), the Church teaches that humankind experiences a ‘tendency towards evil’. Furthermore, due to the evidence of evil in which one is born and to which one is attracted, man is left to question ‘Why’ evil exists.(Cat. 284) Using figurative language, but affirming a primeval event, the Catechism offers its answer in referring to an ‘original’ sinful act which took place at the beginning of history of man. Thus, the Catechism uses the Genesis story in offering answers to the fall of man, the existence of sin, and ultimately the existence of evil. (Cat. 390)
Claiming that the Catechism is bound up with literalisation and historicisation Gabriel Daly argues that the ‘Original’ sin of an ‘Adamic’ myth is not suffice in answering the questions of ‘Why’ evil is existent within the universe (Daly 97). Admitting conflicting models of Genesis and Neo-scholastic theories of evolution, Daly questions how sin can be explained in the light of evolutionary theory and existential insights.(Daly 101, 102) Thus, upon encountering a new endeavor of analysis and synthesis, Daly urges Scientific and Critical thought in rationalizing the existence of sin and evil.(Daly 102, 103) Drawing upon Biological heredity, the influence of human society, and Environmentalist theory (Daly 103) Daly recognizes extrinsic forces rather than inherent predispositions as to explaining the nature and existence of sin. (Daly 107)
Ultimately, the Catechism does not reflect contemporary scholarship, and rather it narrates a figurative, symbolic, and ancient world view. Focused on religious truths rather than scientific truths, the Catechism dwells within Creation centered spirituality. Concerning the fall/redemption spirituality of the Christian economy, a literalized myth exists as the core of the Catechisms explanation of fallen humanity.(Daly 106) However, the Catechism goes on to teach that the existence of evil and sin in which humankind exists reveals a mystery that we cannot fully understand.
No comments:
Post a Comment