Proposition of a Modern Theological Interpretation of Death as a Consequence of Sin

Abstract

Summary There is an apparent contradiction between the catholic doctrine of death as a result of the Original Sin and the fact that the biological death is a common and somewhat necessary phenomenon in the world of nature. Analysis of biblical data and interpretation of the Magisterium of the Church’s dogmatic teaching allows us to propose a solution to the problem by stating that the primary consequence of sin is spiritual death, that is, breaking communion with God, and bodily death is only a secondary, consequence result of sin, which means that the experience of bodily death has changed for man after the fall. This proposal is corroborated by opinions of some recognized contemporary theologians.