That’s interesting. The original sin doctrine does seem to create more problems than it attempts to resolve — e.g., children in hell (who I guess are in the least offensive part of Hell). It also gives rise to the Palegian controversy that Augustine vehemently fought against. We have to act in a Pelegian manner with our law courts — that we are responsible creatures, responsible for our actions due to free will — but with God, the issue of our responsibility, our free will seems less in effect, less prominent or important... we are all sinners who are forgiven. Secular laws courts cannot forgive everyone all the time the ways God forgives — society would be in shambles. I think the notion of original sin contributes to this dilemma. The Eastern Orthodox are less caught up with the idea of original sin and there might be good reasons for it.
As well, original sin seems to have an unjust component to it (e.g., babies roasting in hell) that modern society balks at. Through no fault of your own you are burdened by your forefather for some unjust act he had committed — seems like a primitive way of justice. It’s something that you wouldn’t see in modern courts of law. We would see it as inherently unjust in our modern society, a society that puts emphasis on the actions of the individual rather than on some family member somewhere in the dim mists of the past. Inheriting the sins of the father is just too primitive and unjust of a concept for our times...
Yes, well sometimes the earlier views (Justin martyr, theophilius, ireaneaus, clement of Alexandria, etc all appeared to “side” with Pelagius .. man has the free will ability to choose to do good or evil) but as you’re undoubtably aware Augustine was very prolific writer and a good orator — and his original sin doctrine won out in the Roman , weatern church. Yes, the Eastern Orthodox Church did not follow Augustine so greatly. It’s somwtimes amusing to observe how some clerics/ churches in the West insist on a free will standard for certain behaviors they object to ( certain moral teachings they uphold) while still preaching An augustinean original sin doctrine elsewise. Consistency in living generally, and especially in applying problematical doctrines that appear to defy visible reality, can be challenging ( and it must be acknowledged, a questionable goal to begin with). What parent hasn’t had occasion to fall back on what must be one of mankind’s Oldest demands, “Do ask I say, not as I do...”?