[SoothingDave]

All have original sin, children are not held accountable by God because of not knowing they don't know, they get a pass.

OK. How long does this "pass" last? What is your definition of "sin" and what does one have to do to be "guilty" of it?

So I ask what sin a newborn has committed.

Ask your wife.

Why can't you answer? I think the difference here, going on what little you gave me, is that you think small children "sin" but are not held accountable for it.

On the contrary I do not think that sin exists at all until one can be held to account for it.

The toddler who rips up an important paper cause it's fun does not commit a sin. She simply does not know right from wrong.

Maybe you think that a toddler who does such a thing has "sinned," but I disagree.

Is this a fair depiction of what you are saying?

SD

[IMRight]

Anabaptist theology does tend to break down when dealing with young children. They pay lip service to this mess when they have "baby dedications" & "christenings" that are certainly un-(not anti-)scriptural, but they must have a cultural "need" there.

Of course, ours can too unless you think that unbaptized newborn babies go to Hell when they die. Not something I'm particulary interested in defending.

[PayNoAttentionManBehindCurtain]

OK. How long does this "pass" last?

Until they know that they know.

What is your definition of "sin"

The fallen condition of man.

and what does one have to do to be "guilty" of it?

Be born.

Why can't you answer?

I did.

I think the difference here, going on what little you gave me, is that you think small children "sin" but are not held accountable for it.

You got it.

BigMack

[malakhi]

I think the difference here, going on what little you gave me, is that you think small children "sin" but are not held accountable for it. On the contrary I do not think that sin exists at all until one can be held to account for it.

Interesting. I can see the distinction.

[OLD REGGIE]

On the contrary I do not think that sin exists at all until one can be held to account for it.

Would it shock you if I said we are in essential agreement? I posted the "All have sinned" passage more as a devils advocate than as an unqualified example of "all" and "sin".

If only you would be as reasonable when discussing the age of Baptism. Sigh!