The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
The Wound of Original Sin
November 25, 1998
We are naturally inclined toward virtue, but this inclination is harmed when we sin (ST I-II, Q. 85, Art. 1). Aquinas refers specifically to four "wounds of nature": weakness, ignorance, malice, and desire (ST I-II, Q. 85, Art. 3).
So, sin causes someone to be weak-willed, ignorant, mean, and ruled by passion. It seems to make sense.
In his first objection to this question, Aquinas says these four things "do not seem rightly named as wounds of nature caused by sin" because "they are named as causes of sin." If they are causes, how can they be effects also?
Aquinas answers the point by saying "there is no reason why the effect of one sin should not be the cause of another. Indeed the derangement caused by a previous sin inclines the soul to sin more readily" (ibid.).
But, a man who knows causes and effects so well should know that there must have been a first cause. And, indeed there was – original sin:
"There was a time when original justice enabled reason to have complete control over the powers of the soul … But original justice was lost through the sin of our first parent. In consequence, all powers of the soul have been left to some extent destitute of their proper order" (ibid.).
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
