| You’ve probably heard it before, perhaps in sermons or youth group talks. It’s the classic go-to illustration of original sin: the screaming, crying, toddler temper tantrum. The example of a young child (usually one in the “terrible twos”) is used to illustrate human self-centeredness and sin. For example, a two-year-old may scream “Mine! Mine!,” or angrily throw a toy, or stomp and kick and cry to try to get what he or she wants. In some ways, the illustration makes perfect sense. But as a mom, it has also always rubbed me the wrong way. Yes, all humans have original sin, but often I think adults would serve as a much better example! Our kids—even young babies—actually have a lot to each us about being human, being dependent upon God and others, needing care and love. There is an innocence, delight, wonder, and freedom that young children have that we adults could certainly learn from. Jesus himself reminded his grown-up followers that the kingdom of heaven belonged to those who could be like little children (Matt. 19:14). This week’s featured article, “Are Infants Sinful? How Not to Talk About Original Sin,” explores this question further by looking at the common illustration drawn not just from toddlers but also from babies and infants. In this piece, Amy Julia Becker teases out the difference betwen kids who are still learning and making mistakes and the willful decision to make bad choices. She clarifies that a baby’s expression of need is not the same as sin and self-centeredness. Perhaps some of that “terrible” two-year-old behavior we tend to think of is simply a matter of human development—the natural stages of growth and learning. Perhaps some of it is sinful in some way. But perhaps it would be better for us grown-ups to look in the mirror at our own willful disobedience and self-centeredness—and repent. And perhaps we can look to young children to learn a thing or two about Jesus’ grace-filled love and his heavenly kingdom. |
