Thanks for your kind and concise answer. I have so many questions at times that they just spill out and so I apologize for making it difficult to answer. It is neat that you mentioned Adam being our Federal Head (i.e. representative for the human race) because our Sunday school teacher just yesterday mentioned Jesus as the Federal Head for believers. He now represents us before the Father.
Because I lack formal theological training, I am simply not familiar with some of the words and terms that are used to shorten discussions such as we are having. But I have been self-taught in many of them.
The concept of ‘original sin’ was not taught us growing up in the Ch of the Brethren, I suspect largely because that denomination is strongly flavored Armenian. ‘Free will’ was taught probably while omitting the doctrine of original sin, and, yes, imputed guilt.
Imputed guilt is a very powerful concept and helps immensely to comprehend the impact of Adam’s offense and its dire results. It also helps me to embrace the concept of reprobate infants (or at least, I’ll say, infants who are not those elect for salvation).
Thanks for your thoroughness! I first heard of ‘original sin’ from Catholic friends and then discovered that it is well taught in most mainline Protestant churches.
It may seem odd to you, but I barely understand the origins for the Westminster Catechism (and there are two sizes, large and small?). Perhaps you might enlighten me about it or point to some online summary for its origin. I am guessing now that it originated with Martin Luther.
