The Fall

(In response to Chapter 3 "The Fall" in Engaging God's World by C. Plantinga Jr.)

This chapter was particularly interesting and deepened my thoughts in terms of where sin comes from. Because sin has so perversed our lives my struggle is with preventing sin, and not searching out its source. Plantinga analyzes the origin of sin. He says that it cannot be from God because not only would that be against his nature, but God wouldn't be a loving god if he caused his creation to sin. There would be no justice or salvation, something that he promises and fulfills through Christ. The interesting thing is that he says that Sin doesn't come from Satan either. Satan doesn't cause us to sin, rather he only presents to us an opportunity to sin, or tempts us to sin. He doesn't provide the causation for sinning. This is interesting when you think about it because if Satan cannot cause you to sin he is powerless. His power is that of persuasion and not of a controlling demon. This is something that I find comfort in.

I also liked the analysis of sinners. Sin causes us to become perverted and that perverted person lacks judgment. This lack of judgment brings the person to more sin. This is a cycle that cannot be overcome even though we may want it to. We are born into original sin, with a proclivity to do that sinning. It is only through the grace of God and the salvation that he brings to us on the cross that we can overcome the grave and live eternally with him.

Good insights by Plantinga, I enjoyed this chapter deeply and enjoyed seeing things from a newly presented perspective.