Great Christian Doctrine of Original Sin Defended

Jonathan Edwards's The Great Christian Doctrine of Original Sin Defended is a theological work that addresses the Christian doctrine of original sin. This doctrine posits that all humans are born into a state of sin due to the disobedience of Adam and Eve, inheriting their sin and guilt. While the Bible, particularly the writings of St. Paul, forms the basis for this doctrine, its interpretation and emphasis have varied throughout Christian history.1

Edwards's defense of original sin was largely a response to John Taylor, who challenged Calvinist views. Edwards argued that the universal commission of sinful acts points to an innate sinful predisposition in everyone. He proposed a theory of identity by divine constitution to explain humanity's unity with Adam, suggesting that innate corruption stems from participation in Adam's sinful inclination rather than solely being a judicial punishment. This work was a significant contribution to theological debates on human nature.2