In the report on the Central District Conference discussion of Article 19 of the 1995 Confession of Faith (page 26), a delegate suggests Mennonite Church USA might be better served by a series of statements of core beliefs like Mennonite World Conference’s Shared Convictions. Unfortunately, MWC’s Shared Convictions contain problematic theology that originated with Romans 5:12: “just as sin came into the world through one man, and death came through sin, and so death spread to all . . .” Paul is here inventing what came to be called “Original Sin” and “the Fall.” Original Sin had never been taught by anyone before. The Hebrew scriptures don’t mention it. Jesus didn’t teach it. Yet much of the Christian church perpetuates this erroneous understanding.

Paul is reading the Garden of Eden story literally, but it is not a literal story. It’s a creation myth, like every culture has. Creation myths are a way for people to explain how life as they experience it came to be. Snakes slither on the ground. Women experience pain in childbirth. We all need to work to put food on the table. And all of us die — due to natural processes, not sin. The Garden of Eden story nowhere includes the word “sin.” Nor was there any original perfection from which to take a “Fall.” To be sure, Jesus spoke about sinful acts, but not “Original Sin” or a “Fall.” 

The reference to “fallen humanity” in MWC’s Shared Convictions reflects Paul’s mistaken interpretation of the mythical Adam and Eve story. If the church insists on sticking to disproven ideas, is it any wonder that intelligent people don’t trust its other claims? 

Abner Schlabach, South Royalton, Vt.