The first reading today, from Genesis, recounts the story of “original sin,” “the fall of man,” “the fall from grace,” “paradise lost,” “eating of the forbidden fruit,” and a host of other names. Each of the monikers has their origin. The term “original sin” originates primarily from the theological development of Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) who was the first to systematize the doctrine of original sin as it is understood in Western Christianity. Earlier, Church Fathers, in various forms, did discuss the consequences of Adam’s sin. Some key figures include:

• Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD) who saw Adam’s sin as bringing corruption and mortality to humanity, but he emphasized Christ’s recapitulation (restoring humanity through His obedience). He did not frame Adam’s sin as a hereditary guilt, but rather as an event that led to the weakening of human nature.
• Tertullian (c. 160–225 AD) introduced the idea that Adam’s sin affected all of his descendants, particularly in relation to human flesh being tainted by sin. He was among the first to discuss the idea of inherited corruption but did not fully develop the doctrine of original sin.
• Origen (c. 184–253 AD) spoke of sin as having an ancestral or inherited quality, linking it to the soul’s preexistence and the fall. The details of his views were later deemed problematic, but he contributed to the discussion of how Adam’s fall affected later generations.

So, the idea that there were consequences for Adam and Eve’s sin was something up for discussion long before Augustine. Yet Augustine coined the term “original sin” and formulated the doctrine.  It was in response to Pelagianism (the view that humans are born morally neutral and can achieve righteousness without divine grace). He developed his ideas primarily from Romans 5:12, where Paul states that through one man (Adam), sin entered the world. Augustine argued that all humans inherit both guilt and a sinful nature from Adam, making salvation through grace absolutely necessary. His view was formalized in Western Christianity and later adopted by figures such as Thomas Aquinas and the Reformers (Luther, Calvin, etc.). Through the ages the concept is not without its detractors for a variety of reasons: how can original sin be passed on, why should a person today be held responsible for the sin of Adam and Eve, and other issues.

I would suggest that “original rebellion” may be a better vehicle when describing what happened in the Garden of Eden. To that end, let me make a few key points:

The sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3) was not merely a moral failing but an act of defiance against God’s command. Adam and Eve consciously chose to disobey God’s explicit instruction not to eat from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This suggests an act of rebellion rather than just a sinful mistake.

The serpent’s temptation involved convincing Eve that she and Adam could become divine: “God knows well that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened and you will be like gods” (Genesis 3:5). This desire to define good and evil for themselves, rather than submitting to God’s authority, is a rebellious act rather than simply a moral transgression.

The traditional Hebrew word for “sin” (ḥaṭṭāʾt) is not used in Genesis 3. Instead, the focus is on disobedience, deception, and the consequences of breaking God’s command. Some scholars point to 1 Samuel 15:23, where rebellion is equated with sin: “For a sin of divination is rebellion, and arrogance, the crime of idolatry because you have rejected the word of the LORD.” 

As mentioned above, Romans 5:12-19 connects Adam’s act with the entrance of sin into the world, but the emphasis is on disobedience. Paul writes in Romans 5:19, “For just as through the disobedience of one person the many were made sinners…” This supports the idea that the root issue was rebellion against God’s command.

And the point is…? Like father/mother, like daughter/son. Where did we learn rebellion? There are many things against which one should rebel – but the Word of God is not one of them. Yet we are people that in the exercise of our individuality, we can transgress the Word of God, and in that moment we are in rebellion, originating our own personal sin – right there and then.

Original sin? Original rebellion? Sadly, as it has been so it continues in our lives. Nothing terribly “original” about it. What’s the expression? “Old as sin” ? Perhaps a new expression can catch on:  “Old as rebellion.”

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The Garden of Eden with the Fall of Man | By Peter Paul Rubens and Jan Brueghel the Elder | The Hague | PD-US