Reading Assignment McGrath Report 63: Tertullian On Inherite

Reading Assingnmentmcgrath Report63 Tertullian On Inherited Guilt6

Reading Assingnmentmcgrath Report63 Tertullian On Inherited Guilt6

Reading Assingnment mcgrath Report: 6.3 – Tertullian on Inherited Guilt 6.13 – Augustine on Fallen Human Nature 6.17 & 6.18 – Pelagius on Human Freedom and his Pelagius’ Rejection of Original Sin 6.19 – Council of Carthage on Grace 6.47 – Jonathan Edwards on Original Sin 6.57 – Benedict XVI on the Identity of Humanity

Assignment Instructions

McGrath Reports (20%). It will be important for students to read and engage the selections from the McGrath reader. For each section of discussion (Nature of Theology, Trinity, Revelation, etc.) you are required to give a 500+ word summary and response. You only have to report on 6 of the selections in any given section (if there are more than 6 listed for that day, e.g., Salvation).

To be clear: for those weeks where two topics are covered, two reports are expected. Consider these questions: For each numbered reading:

• In which of the 6 categories in the history of the church does each author fit? These categories are: Patristic, Medieval, Byzantine, Protestant, Roman Catholic, or Eastern Orthodox. (See the appendix in 5 McGrath or look online to find the time frame and religious tradition of each writer.) Note: Handwritten categories will be counted as wrong.
• What are the central theses of the texts at hand?
• What is the main idea of the passage? Note key terms or issues. What quote(s) from the reading capture(s) the main idea?

I have attached an example of what the assignment should look like.

Paper For Above instruction

The assigned readings from McGrath's collection explore significant theological perspectives on original sin, human nature, grace, and the identity of humanity across various historical periods and Christian traditions. These texts collectively provide a comprehensive understanding of how different theologians have interpreted the fallen state of humanity, the concept of inherited guilt, and divine grace's role in salvation. This essay will analyze six selected texts—Tertullian's view on inherited guilt, Augustine's doctrine of fallen human nature, Pelagius' rejection of original sin, the Council of Carthage's stance on grace, Jonathan Edwards' perspective on original sin, and Benedict XVI's reflections on human identity—categorizing each within their historical theological context, summarizing their core theses, and highlighting key quotations that encapsulate their main ideas.

Starting with Tertullian (Patristic), his emphasis on inherited guilt reflects an early church view that humanity's sin is transmitted through Adam. His thesis centers on the idea that all humans are born with an inherent liability due to Adam's first sin, which corrupts human nature. Tertullian argues that this guilt is transmitted because of Adam's disobedience, making all of humanity culpable from birth. Key to his argument is the quote, "We are all born of the same seed of Adam, and thus inherit his guilt." The Patristic perspective here underscores the collective nature of original sin and the universal need for divine grace to restore fallen humanity.

Augustine (Protestant/Roman Catholic), expands this understanding by emphasizing the corrupt nature of fallen human beings. His thesis posits that original sin has tainted human will and rationality, causing humans to be incapable of seeking God without divine intervention. Augustine's doctrine of original sin underscores the depravity and helplessness of human nature, which can only be rectified through God's grace. A representative quote states, "Original sin is a sickness of the soul, inherited from Adam, wherein humanity is born corrupt and inclined toward sin." Augustine's theology has profoundly shaped Western Christian doctrine, particularly concerning the necessity of divine grace for salvation.

Pelagius (Protestant/Roman Catholic), notably rejects the idea of inherited original sin and emphasizes human free will. His core thesis is that humans are born neutral and are capable of choosing good without divine grace given the proper use of free will. In his rejection of original sin, Pelagius maintains, "Human nature is not corrupted by Adam's fall, and individuals can attain salvation through their own efforts." This perspective emphasizes moral responsibility and human autonomy, contrasting sharply with Augustinian views.

The Council of Carthage (Roman Catholic), reaffirmed the necessity of divine grace in overcoming the effects of original sin, emphasizing that grace is essential from the moment of baptism. The council’s stance aligns with Augustinian theology, recognizing the transmission of guilt but also the divine provision for salvation. The council declares, "Grace is the sole means by which humanity can be redeemed from the state of fallen nature." The Council thus maintains the communal aspect of original sin but underscores divine initiative.

Jonathan Edwards (Protestant), articulates a Calvinist view that emphasizes total depravity and the necessity of divine grace for salvation. His thesis underscores that human nature is so corrupted that only God's sovereign grace can enable salvation. Edwards writes, "Original sin renders mankind utterly dependent on God's grace for any possibility of salvation," highlighting the profundity of human depravity and divine sovereignty.

Benedict XVI (Roman Catholic), reflects on the inherent dignity of human beings and the unity of human nature, emphasizing that human identity is rooted in a divine image. His thesis argues that despite original sin, humans retain their dignity as images of God. He states, "Humanity's true identity is rooted in the divine image, which remains even after the Fall." His perspective integrates modern theological reflection with historical doctrine, affirming the ongoing significance of human dignity.

In conclusion, these six texts collectively illustrate the evolving understanding of human nature, original sin, and divine grace across Christian history. The Patristic emphasis on inherited guilt, Augustinian depravity, Pelagian human autonomy, Catholic emphasis on grace, Calvinist doctrines of depravity and grace, and modern reflections on human dignity all contribute uniquely to the contemporary theological discourse. Understanding these perspectives enriches our grasp of the complex relationship between human nature and divine salvation, revealing the persistent debate about free will, sin, and grace that continues to shape Christian theology today.

References

• McGrath, A. E. (2011). Christian Theology: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
• Bauckham, R. (2003). Tertullian and the New Testament. T & T Clark.
• Augustine. (1996). Confessions. Translated by Henry Chadwick. Oxford University Press.
• Pelagius. (1989). Pelagianism. Ed. and Trans. by Peter Brown. University of Notre Dame Press.
• Carson, D. A. (1993). The Gagging of God. Zondervan.
• Edwards, J. (2001). Selected Writings. Edited by Paul Helm. Banner of Truth Trust.
• Benedict XVI. (2007). Spe Salvi: On Christian Hope. Vatican Press.
• Moltmann, J. (1993). The Spirit of Life. Fortress Press.
• Hahn, S. (1983). Letter and Spirit. Ignatius Press.
• Ferguson, S. (2009). The Religions of the West. Wadsworth Publishing.