In Emerging Catholicism, through its creation-centered spirituality, we are forced to rethink the Augustinian emphasis on Original Sin (and the Modern era's obsession with it). If we are to turn the focus to Original Blessing (which is something more prominent in Genesis and in the Gospels) we must discuss the place of Baptism in the Catholic Faith.
If Baptism is to remain a Sacrament, and not just be regarded as a symbol of our initiation into the Church, we must explore its real meaning.
Perhaps we should ask the question, "What is the real power of Baptism?".
Br. Michael
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2 comments:
Brother Michael,
Many good thoughts on your page. I think you are working on but a good working definition is need for what "Emerging Catholicism" is and what are its core principles. Inherent in any idea of Catholic theology is a committment to a continuty with the past as well as a full engagement with the present guided by the direction of the Holy Spirit working through the Church.
The concept of original sin, or sin has evidenced in Genesis 3 is not neccesarily negative, or wholly to be attributed to St. Augustine. You might find the Orthodox Church's perspective on original sin and Genesis 3 helpful in your working of mapping out broad strokes of Emergent Catholicism.
Fr Kevin,
Thank you for beginning this dicussion.
It is a main objective of my work in Emerging Catholicism to emphasize dialogue, therefore these posts are mere conversation starters.
It is also my hope to build a Catholic Faith where people from any of the three "branches" of Catholic Christianity (and their sub-groups) can work toward unity, and where Anglicans can realize their Catholic identity once again.
In another post, entitled "Another Catholic revival in the Anglican/Episcopal Church?", I stated talked about a connection to Catholic Tradition that doesn't fossilize traditions. A main principle of Emerging Catholicism is that our Faith should be a living faith.
As for Original sin, I have said the focus should be on Original Blessing, not on Original Sin. This does not mean that Original Sin is nonexistant. As Fr. Matthew Fox has said, "We enter a broken world. But we do not enter as a blot on existence, but rather as Original Blessings".
St. Augustine's name was used because he his largely regarded as the father of the doctrine of Original Sin. This concept was not emphasised before Augustine.
An Eastern perspective on OS might indeed be helpful. I wonder if you could bring your understanding of that concept to the discussion.
Blessings!
Br Michael OP
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