Anthropogenesis, the Original State of Human Nature, and the Classical Model of Original Sin: The Challenge from Natural Science

This article offers a contribution to the scientifically informed theological (Aristotelian–Thomistic) reflection on anthropogenesis, the original state of human nature and original sin. After introductory remarks on the historical-critical exegesis of Gen 1–11 and the Catholic view of the evolutionary and theological anthropogenesis, I develop a critical evaluation of the notion of praeternatural gifts given by God to the first human being(s) (i.e., physical immortality, high level of infused knowledge, impassibility, and freedom from concupiscence). In the next step, I present and discuss the difficulties of the received model of hereditary sin assuming the role of Adam as the “collective singular”, the “virtually multiple”, or the “fountainhead of mankind”. In continuation of this analysis, I refer to alternative models of hereditary sin that see Adam as “actually multiple” or a paradigm example of each human being (Adam as “everyman”). I also analyze the view of those who emphasize the communal aspect of hereditary sin and favor the notion of its transmission that brings together propagation and imitation (rather than seeing them as mutually exclusive). Finally, I offer some remarks on the return to the Irenaean notion of the original state of human nature and original sin in the circles of theologians attentive to the theory of evolution.