ANSWER:
1. Original sin and Ancestral sin are both common expressions and both are acceptable provided that we understand precisely what we mean and what we don't mean by these expressions. Orthodoxy has never accepted the Augustinian concept of propagation of sin through concupiscence in the reproductive act. 2. The victory of Christ over death is multifaceted. Clearly, a dominant aspect is the victory over death and the power of death ("shattering the bands of irons" / "crushing the head of the serpent" / "breaking open the ancient gates"). The victory of Christ over death ends (for Christians) the grip of the fear of death which is the power of the devil and by which the human race was held captive (Heb. 2:15). 3. The different of emphasis here is what St John meant by "sin unto death." The Western/Latin tradition often focused on the legal determination or classification of "sin unto death" ("mortal sin" - essentially a Scriptural expression) and "sin not unto death" ("venial sin"). The Orthodox tradition which tends to be more experiential and pastoral does not so much try to classify sin legally as to determine the state of the spiritual life of a Christian if a sin has been committed and this person needs forgiveness and healing. 4. Orthodox Christians should not receive communion if they are placed themselves outside the communion of the Church, the body of Christ, by sin. It is the bishop (typically through the assigned presbyter in the parish) who is the head of the Eucharistic community and who provides guidance, penance and reconciliation through the mystery of confession. For this reason, frequent confession - and it is compared in the service to a visit of a physician - is important to help us determine if we are wounded by sin "unto death" and how to increase and grow in spiritual living. |
