Are Men Born Sinners? - Library of Theology

Second, the doctrine of original sin is made believable to the new Christian because of
proof-texts from the Bible. He does not know that these proof-texts are taken out of
context or misinterpreted. He probably has little knowledge of the Bible and deep trust in
those who teach him. Add to this his love of God and his trust in God's Word, so that
when proof-texts from the Bible are given in support of the doctrine of original sin, the
question is settled for him if the Bible teaches it, then it has to be so.
Third, once confirmed in a belief it is almost impossible to change that belief. Who has
not experienced or observed how Christians, once taught to believe a certain way, are
strongly prejudiced for the view they have first been taught? An illustration of this is the
blind zeal with which Christians of different denominations will argue over doctrinal
differences. A Baptist is not likely to give a fair hearing to Pentecostal doctrine. Neither
is a Pentecostal likely to give a fair hearing to Baptist doctrine. To change the beliefs of
one who has once been indoctrinated is almost impossible. He may be in error, but he is
prejudiced against every argument that he hears. This prejudice against any teaching that
contradicts what we have already been taught protects and perpetuates any error that we
may hold.
Fourth, the very fact that the doctrine of original sin is almost universally believed and
that it has been believed for so long tends strongly to perpetuate it. Universal adherence
to error throws up an almost impenetrable barrier against light and truth when they are
offered. Moreover, universal adherence to error presents an almost overwhelming
restraint to the person who would defect and stand alone against the masses to speak for
truth. There is a feeling of safety and assurance in numbers. No one likes to stand alone.
It is because of this that, even in the church, universal adherence to error has had an
overwhelming tendency to perpetuate itself. Add to this the entrenched ignorance and
superstition that truth must expose before it can be received and embraced as truth.
Fifth, a deficient ministry helps to perpetuate ignorance and error among Christians.
Ministers are certainly more blameworthy than laypeople for ignorance, superstition, and
prejudicial beliefs, because their very calling is to preach and teach the truth to others.
But often there is a conceit among ministers that does not exist among laypeople.
Because they are ministers, they feel they do not need to be taught, and they resist more
firmly than laypeople any idea that they might be in error. A true Christian spirit, and a
spirit that would be in accord with their responsibility to preach the truth would, it seems,
cause them to hear the arguments and to investigate the question until they might be sure
of either the truth or falseness of the original sin dogma. But, sadly, there is generally
such a prejudiced opinion and such self-satisfaction that ministers do not investigate, and
they continue to perpetuate a false doctrine in the church of Jesus Christ.
The idea is erroneous that, if the doctrine of original sin were false, God would long ago
have purged it from his church. Martin Luther could easily have said the same thing
about the errors that existed in the Catholic Church. These were errors that had been
universally believed and practiced in the church for well over a thousand years. Martin
Luther knew they were errors and unbiblical practices, and he cried out against them and