February 7, 2020

Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 - Shedd - XIII - Chapter V Original Sin continued

Required reading
Dogmatic Theology Vol 2 by William G.T. Shedd (Available from Amazon or free here) - 
Continue Chapter 5 'Original sin' by reading up to the paragraph '1. It is objected, that if man is unable to keep the law, he is not obligated to keep it.' (page 242 in my edition).

My summary
We plough on with Shedd's chapter on original sin.

Firstly, he addresses the charge of fatalism upon this doctrine of moral necessity.

Then he looks at the grounds of moral inability:
(i) the finiteness and limitation of the created will;
(ii) the derivative nature of finite holiness;
(iii) the adorableness of a self-originated holiness;
(iv) the reflex action of sin upon the will.

Shedd also answers why man can ruin, but not save himself.

What grabbed me
I appreciated this description of sin: 'Sin is the suicidal action of the human will. To do wrong destroys the power to do right. This is illustrated in the effect of a vicious habit in diminishing a man's ability to resist temptation. But habit is the continual repetition of wrong self-decisions, every one of which reacts upon the will as a faculty, and renders it less strong and energetic to good. !No man can do a wrong act, and be as sound in his will, and as spiritually strong, after it as he was before it.'

Sin always takes away our strength.

Next week's reading
Conclude Chapter 5 'Original sin'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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