A bit confused about an oversimplification

[Ora_et_Labora_1]

I have heard it said that one of the main differences between “Eastern” and “Western” theology is that in the “East” it is said that because we die, we sin; while in the “West” it is said that because we sin, we die.

Now is this a gross oversimplification? It seems to me to be the case. In light of this I have to ask: if our first parents could not die, then why did they sin? IIUC, they only became subject to death AFTER they sinned.

What am I missing here?

 

[Totterman]

Jesus,our Lords peace be whit You.
What are You missing? Maybe the point? It is the same thing,do good,go to heaven,do bad,go to You know where. And we are back to the same thing I bumb in to every day here,but I say it again,the ansver is in The Bible.

 

[Pakesh]

Jesus,our Lords peace be whit You.
What are You missing? Maybe the point? It is the same thing,do good,go to heaven,do bad,go to You know where. And we are back to the same thing I bumb in to every day here,but I say it again,the ansver is in The Bible.

That is a bit of a simplification-I think the OP has a valid question. There is indeed a difference between East and West as to the respective approaches to original sin. That being said, I couldn’t tell you exactly. Hopefully an Easterner can address the question.
Personally, I’ve never heard or seen “because we die, we sin,” but I could be wrong. Perhaps you could try searching the boards for “original sin.” I know this particular board has discussed this before:thumbsup:

 

[Alexander_Roman]

Hmmm… I’m an Easterner, so here goes . . .

For the Christian East, Original Sin is basically the impact of the personal sin of Adam on our human nature which we inherit from him.

Original Sin therefore resulted in death, concupiscence and the pull of temptation, a darkening of the mind with respect to spiritual things and wisdom especially, separation between God and man etc.

The Grace of Christ, His Incarnation, death and resurrection, ascension to heaven etc. is what gives us the hope of salvation and divinization through Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the father.

This is why incessant prayer is so important in our spiritual life, as is the Communion of the Most Holy and Most Precious Body and Blood of OLGS Jesus Christ, spiritual reading and the whole range of spiritual struggle.

As for how the Western Church envisions this, I don’t know . . .

Perhaps a Westerner could respond . . .

Alex

 

[CB_Catholic]

Hmmm… I’m an Easterner, so here goes . . .

For the Christian East, Original Sin is basically the impact of the personal sin of Adam on our human nature which we inherit from him.

Original Sin therefore resulted in death, concupiscence and the pull of temptation, a darkening of the mind with respect to spiritual things and wisdom especially, separation between God and man etc.

The Grace of Christ, His Incarnation, death and resurrection, ascension to heaven etc. is what gives us the hope of salvation and divinization through Christ in the Holy Spirit to the glory of God the father.

This is why incessant prayer is so important in our spiritual life, as is the Communion of the Most Holy and Most Precious Body and Blood of OLGS Jesus Christ, spiritual reading and the whole range of spiritual struggle.

As for how the Western Church envisions this, I don’t know . . .

Perhaps a Westerner could respond . . .

Alex

Your explanation doesn’t sound too much different from what I, as a Latin Catholic, have been taught. The only thing you left out is Baptism, which frees us from original sin, and by which we are born again of water and the Holy Spirit, and which, according to the Catholic Church is necessary for salvation, and without which we cannot receive any of the Sacraments. I am pretty sure that was an oversight, though.

 

[diggerdomer]

I have heard it said that one of the main differences between “Eastern” and “Western” theology is that in the “East” it is said that because we die, we sin; while in the “West” it is said that because we sin, we die.

Now is this a gross oversimplification? It seems to me to be the case. In light of this I have to ask: if our first parents could not die, then why did they sin? IIUC, they only became subject to death AFTER they sinned.

What am I missing here?

Yes a gross oversimplification. You are not missing anything.

 

[Alexander_Roman]

Your explanation doesn’t sound too much different from what I, as a Latin Catholic, have been taught. The only thing you left out is Baptism, which frees us from original sin, and by which we are born again of water and the Holy Spirit, and which, according to the Catholic Church is necessary for salvation, and without which we cannot receive any of the Sacraments. I am pretty sure that was an oversight, though.

Yes, certainly we cannot receive the Holy Eucharist without being baptised!

Good for you!

Alex