July 23, 2010 – Catechism 404-409

We are contracted or given original sin because of the actions, personal in nature of Adam and Eve. It is nothing that we do, but an effect of Adam's choice that effects his very nature and thus effects our very nature. Concupiscence, or the effect original sin has on us is something that, because it effects our very nature, stays with us, even after Baptism has washed away the separating effects of original sin. The Church does not teach that man can escape original sin nor does it teach that original sin's influence makes man unable to choose God. The Church teaches that original sin is inherited in all of us, but we can choose God's path, it is just a challenge for us. Because of the break that original sin caused, the devil does have a strong influence on us, because we are vulnerable to him. To ignore this fact is dangerous. The greatest achievement the devil ever had was convincing the world that he does not exist. I don't know where that comes from, but I have heard it and thought it explains that point pretty well. We are at war with evil. The war is not new, but has gone on from the beginning of man and will continue through the end of days. We are in the battle fields, in our jobs, our families, our schools, even in our churches. Know that the enemy is strong, do not take him lightly. Know also that victory has already been one and take confidence in that.