Original Sin According to Augustine

Augustine’s Interpretation of Adam and Eve: Augustine saw the story of Adam and Eve as not just literal but largely symbolic. In his view, Adam and Eve represented humanity, and their fall from grace was not just a single event but a symbolic representation of the inherent sinful nature of all humans.
Inheritance of Sin: According to Augustine, the original sin of Adam and Eve is inherited by every human being. This belief that every human is born sinful underlines much of Augustine’s philosophy.

Concept of Original Sin

Contrasted With Eastern Orthodox Beliefs: In the Eastern Orthodox Church, the concept of original sin is not defined in the same way. Instead of all humans bearing the guilt for Adam and Eve’s sin, Eastern Orthodox Christians believe that humans only inherit the consequences (death and inclination towards sin), not the guilt.
Justification for Baptism: Augustine’s concept of original sin forms the basis for practises like infant baptism in many Christian denominations. The baptism is seen as washing away the original sin, making the individual pure.

Influence on Western Christianity: Augustine’s views on original sin have been very influential in Western Christianity, and are accepted, in different forms, by both Catholics and Protestants.
Criticism by Pelagius: In contrast, Pelagius, a contemporary of Augustine, denied the concept of original sin. Pelagius believed that humans have the freedom to choose to sin or not to sin, directly contradicting Augustine’s belief in mankind’s innate sinfulness.