Is there any proof that humans are born into sin?...

[dave4shmups]

I don't personally think that we are, but there are a lot of Christians who point to the fact that kids have to be trained not to be selfish, as one example, that we are all born into sin. They also pour scorn onto humanism, by citing all of the wars in the 20th century as an example that humanism has failed.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

I don't personally think that we are, but there are a lot of Christians who point to the fact that kids have to be trained not to be selfish,

One cannot be trained not to be selfish only to give that appearance.

As a species human beings are motivated by self interest above all other motives. There are selfless acts,many,but no selfless people.

[OnlyNatural]

I don't personally think that we are, but there are a lot of Christians who point to the fact that kids have to be trained not to be selfish, as one example, that we are all born into sin.

We are all self-interested, especially as children, but this doesn't mean we don't care about anyone else, or that we're bad people. Children also spontaneously show empathy, and can recognize that certain behaviours (like hitting others) are wrong.

To say that humans are inherently good or inherently sinful is a huge oversimplification of human nature, though. It also ignores the incredible importance of upbringing and environment in shaping one's character.

The idea of original sin is just another way to control the faithful. Religion poisons us, and then tells us the only antidote is to surrender ourselves to God's will.

[KichigaiNeko]

aka....the 'Cock in the frock'

[Edwardo Piet]

I was born with a bad attitude, does that count?

[Zen Badger]

The idea of original sin is just another way to control the faithful. Religion poisons us, and then tells us the only antidote is to surrender ourselves to God's will.

Gods will as defined by the priests usually.

[Edwardo Piet]

"Original Sin" is both a vile idea and a bunch of shit.

[OnlyNatural]

The idea of original sin is just another way to control the faithful. Religion poisons us, and then tells us the only antidote is to surrender ourselves to God's will.

Gods will as defined by the priests usually.

Yes, absolutely, right out of the mouths of a bunch of dirty old men. Who are they to call us sinners?

[dave4shmups]

I don't personally think that we are, but there are a lot of Christians who point to the fact that kids have to be trained not to be selfish, as one example, that we are all born into sin.

We are all self-interested, especially as children, but this doesn't mean we don't care about anyone else, or that we're bad people. Children also spontaneously show empathy, and can recognize that certain behaviours (like hitting others) are wrong.

To say that humans are inherently good or inherently sinful is a huge oversimplification of human nature, though. It also ignores the incredible importance of upbringing and environment in shaping one's character.

The idea of original sin is just another way to control the faithful. Religion poisons us, and then tells us the only antidote is to surrender ourselves to God's will.

Yeah, I agree-it is just another way to control the faithful.

[Oldandeasilyconfused]

"Original Sin" is both a vile idea and a bunch of shit.

You win one internet for the pithiest response.

It was actually the question of original sin which began my path to atheism when I was 16. (it took 24 years)

I was on retreat and asked a very smart priest."Why has God punished all mankind,for all time, because of the sin of Adam and Eve?"

His answer began "God isn't punishing us---" and that's where I began to part company withe Catholic Church. Next came the question of free will and God's omniscience, followed by the problem of evil.At that stage I hadn't even thought about the veracity of the Bible,nor discovered Bertrand Russell-----