QUOTE |
We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. |
QUOTE (2 Nephi 2:25) |
Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy. |
I find this article of faith the most interesting of the two so far. Being that original sin is less a biblical concept, then that of a man. Original sin was first introduced into the church via St. Augustine in his anti-Pelagian. By rejecting this doctrine, it is the rejection of man-made doctrines of the Catholic church.
If there is no original sin, then when does the LDS church believe that man is capable of sin, ie, at what age? Also, what makes this age so special? Thanks!
Essentially, we believe that sin accompanies accountability. Thanks to a revelation that Joseph Smith received, we understand the age of accountability to be 8 years old. Children who die before that age are not accountable for any "sins" by the Lord. People who suffer from some defect that makes them unaccountable for their actions (true mental illness, mental defects, etc.) are free from sin, although they may suffer the effects of their actions.
For example, a six-year-old could accidentally take crack cocaine. Even if they knew it was wrong, they are unable to really differentiate between right and wrong. According to our beliefs, there is no sin attached to that action. However, the child could die or be severely injured from that action. The child would suffer the consequences of the action. The adult who made the cocaine available would be held accountable in eternity for the action.