Is it possible to reconcile polygenism with original sin?

[grannymh]

That’s why I like the Orthodox view of original sin better… it’s less explicit and doesn’t necessarily involve a physical transmission via DNA or something like that

Original sin involves the state of one’s soul. Since the soul is spiritual there is no DNA or anything like that. Because Adam as the first of the human race represented the whole human race, his decision to commit sin is passed down. That is why it is called original sin. It is a contracted sin.

Genesis is thoroughly a metaphor, it isn’t literal.

That is too broad a statement, too wide sweeping, to be considered accurate in the light of Catholic teaching.

Even what we think of as sin, probably isn’t always a sin in some kind of objective way.

While one can feel that way today. Today is today and not the time of Adam and Eve. Their sin involved a specific known objective act which required their free choice.

"… you can end up with an inflexible religion.

.

Death can be even more inflexible. That is why I prefer an inflexible religion which can meet death head on and win.

Blessings,
granny

Bible means: basic instructions before leaving earth