The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 57: Consequences of Adam’s Sin (2026)
Date: February 26, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Reading: Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs 402–406

Episode Overview

In Day 57, Fr. Mike explores the profound consequences of Adam’s sin for all of humanity, as unpacked in paragraphs 402–406 of the Catechism. The episode focuses on how original sin is passed down, what it means for our human nature, and the Catholic Church’s unique, nuanced understanding—one that avoids extremes of total depravity or pure self-sufficiency. Fr. Mike’s warm, pastoral tone is both explanatory and encouraging, emphasizing our ongoing need for grace, our inherent goodness (despite brokenness), and our unity in Christ’s redeeming act.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Original Sin: Contracted, Not Committed

• Original sin is not a personal act but a state every human contracts by birth.
  • “Original sin…is called sin ‘only in an analogical sense. It is a sin ‘contracted’ and not ‘committed’. It’s a state and not an act.’” (Fr. Mike, quoting CCC 404, 02:20)
• This foundational concept underpins why the Church baptizes infants—because all are born into this wounded state.

2. The “Original Wound” and Human Nature

• Fr. Mike references the idea that original sin might better be described as “the original wound,” a state of woundedness rather than an act of wrongdoing.
  • “We recognize that every one of us is born into this state, this fallen state, this wounded state. We remain good…and yet we are broken.” (03:05)

3. Consequences of Adam’s Sin

• The Catechism outlines specific consequences:
  • A darkening of intellect: we think, but not always clearly.
  • A weakening of will: we can choose, but not always persistently or rightly.
  • Physical death: all are now subject to mortality.
  • Concupiscence: a persistent inclination toward sin, even after baptism.
• “Original sin broke the world…the world remains good, human beings remain good, and yet we are good, but broken.” (08:33)
• Even after receiving baptism’s grace, the “consequences for nature, weakened and inclined to evil, persist…summon[ing] us to spiritual battle.” (10:10)

4. The Mystery of Original Sin’s Transmission

• The transmission of original sin is a mystery: “How does this work? …Part of the answer, as the Church says, is a mystery.” (09:00)
• By Adam, as the representative head, humanity’s nature was wounded—so all born from Adam share in that state.

5. Catholic Position: Deprived, Not Depraved

• The episode distinguishes Catholic teaching from two historical extremes:
  • Pelagianism: denied the need for grace, claiming man could be good on his own—“error.”
  • Total Depravity (some Protestant reformers): viewed original sin as a total corruption, destroying freedom.
• The Catholic view: “We’re not depraved, but deprived—we remain good but broken.” (06:55)
  • “We still have the capacity, by his grace, to be an image of him to the world…we’re good, but fallen. Good, but broken. Deprived, but not depraved.” (07:20)

6. Unity in Sin and in Salvation

• Just as all share the wound of Adam, all have access to Christ’s saving act:
  • “Through one man’s sin, death entered the world. So through Jesus Christ, one man’s act of righteousness, life is possible.” (15:33)
• Emphasizes solidarity: “We are all connected to each other in our brokenness. And what Jesus has done for one, he’s done for all.” (15:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Original sin is called sin not as a personal act, but as a state. It’s contracted, not committed.” (Fr. Mike, paraphrasing CCC, 02:25)
• “It’s a state again, not an act. So that’s why we baptize babies.” (03:12)
• “Our attraction to sin, the darkening of our intellect, the weakening of our will—we die, and yet we remain good.” (03:28)
• “We remain good but broken. We remain beautiful but broken. And so we need God’s grace—absolutely.” (07:00)
• “We are deprived of original holiness and justice, but not depraved. We’re still made in his image and likeness.” (07:14)
• “Sin doesn’t just affect our souls…we are made of body and spirit, and so we’re wounded in both.” (09:18)
• “Baptism erases original sin and turns a man back toward God, but…the consequences for nature, weakened and inclined to evil, persist.” (10:03)
• “Those…persist in us and summon us to spiritual battle.” (10:14)
• “Keep up your prayers. Keep praying for each other…we belong to each other.” (15:04)

Segment Timestamps

• [00:00–03:12] Introduction and framing of today’s reading/theme
• [03:13–07:20] Original sin as contracted/wounded state; why we baptize infants
• [07:21–09:17] Adam’s sin, transmission to all through human nature, impact on creation
• [09:18–11:07] Consequences: darkened intellect, weakened will, death, concupiscence
• [11:08–12:03] Baptism’s effects and the persistence of consequences
• [12:04–14:50] Historical perspectives: Pelagianism, Protestant reformers, Church’s doctrine
• [14:51–16:05] Final encouragements: solidarity, hope, prayer for each other

Key Takeaways

• Original sin is a state, not an action: All humanity inherits it, not by personal choice, but by being born human.
• Humans are good but wounded: Despite original sin, our nature remains fundamentally good, though deprived of its original justice and holiness.
• The need for grace: We cannot save or perfect ourselves; God’s grace is necessary.
• Baptism restores, but the struggle remains: Baptism removes original sin but doesn’t erase its effects—our lifelong call is to spiritual battle.
• Christian solidarity: We are all united in both brokenness and redemption; prayer and mutual support are essential.

Closing Sentiment

Fr. Mike reminds listeners that, despite our brokenness, "God has not given up on us." Our journey—rooted in grace and communion with others—calls us to prayer, perseverance, and solidarity in Christ.

Listen to this episode for a compassionate, clear explanation of why Catholic teaching about original sin is both realistic and hopeful, and how it shapes our daily spiritual battle and need for God’s grace.