Originally Posted by Aquila
There are two perspectives. One is that we're all individuals. The other is that we are living extensions of our ancestors both biologically, socially, and even spiritually. Almost like individual cells of a single organism. We can greatly benefit or suffer from our ancestors misdeeds. And so the effect and reality of their actions continue to live on today to some degree in every one of our lives.
God seems to see mankind as a whole. For the majority of human history, from Adam himself, descendants have born the sin, and righteousness, of their ancestors.
I think when we speak of ancestral sin we can't see it as though we're personally responsible, because we're not. However we should acknowledge that what we have and what we are can often be traced back to their decisions and actions. So, we do well to confess the sins of our ancestors, and end any sin that has been perpetuated down through our generations (idolatry, incest, domestic violence, alcoholism, gambling, coursing, criminal enterprise, dehumanization, racism, womanizing, prostitution, etc.).
Coming clean be with God, as priests of our family lines, bringing generations of sin and offense before him, taking responsibility for making necessary changes, and righting wrongs, if at all possible, will transform our communities and our nation.
No we are not guilty, but we can set things right.
One great sin in our society is racism. It's alive and well because of the beliefs, actions, misinformation, lies, and biases of our ancestors.
We can repent of racism and end it in our lives, if we haven't already.
It's not like we're personally guilty. It's just taking responsibility for our ancestors actions, and making restitution where possible.
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