CreationOriginal sin

The topic of creation looks at the Genesis story of the creation of the world and humanity, focusing on how it is to be understood, the nature of humanity and the teachings of Thomas Aquinas.

Part ofReligious StudiesBeliefs, teachings & practices - Unit 1

Original sin

The Catholic Church teaches that all humans are born with original sin as a result of the fall of Adam and Eve. This means that all humans are born with the urge to sin and disobey God. Pope Paul VI consolidated the Catholic Church’s standpoint on original sin, stating that through Christ’s death on the cross, all are redeemed from original sin. The Church teaches that original sin can be removed and cleansed through baptism. This is why Catholics are baptised as infants.

Mary as the Immaculate Conception

The Catholic Church teaches that Mary, the mother of Christ, is the only human who is exempt from the of original sin. Mary is known as the immaculate conception – in other words, she was born free from original sin. This is unique to Mary and is why she was chosen to carry and give birth to the Son of God.

Fresco of Mary with her hands together and a halo above her head. She is standing on a serpent
Image caption,
In images and statues Mary is often depicted as standing on a snake or serpent symbolising Mary ‘stamping’ out sin

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