Kierunki reinterpretacji chrześcijańskiej doktryny o grzechu pierworodnym w perspektywie ewolucyjnej genezy gatunku ludzkiego

Abstract

Due to its highly contextual character the doctrine of original sin has been generating much discussion and controversy in regards to its proper meaning. This is particularly manifest as the classical formulation of this doctrine is confronted with the outcomes of contemporary science concerning the evolutionary scenarios of the origin and the development of the human species. The aim of the inquiry presented in this paper is to clearly present and discuss the main challenges that these scenarios present to the classical doctrine on original sin and how the different aspects are addressed and resolved within the novel interpretations, which shift their focus from the literal historical reading of original sin to treating is as a metaphor for the fundamental condition of human nature. The inquiry is additionally supported by the basic outcomes of the contemporary exegesis of the Book of Genesis, as well as a survey of some basic methodological issues pertaining to the nature of theological language. Finally, an extension to an existing interpretation of original sin is proposed, aimed at improving the consistency of its understanding with the evolutionary (dynamic) picture of the Universe.