Sins of the Fathers

The sins of the fathers are visited upon the children through the generations. That's what the bible says – in more than one place, that's what Euripides said (and a jillion lost sayings too I bet), that's what a great deal of experience says. Ditto for the sins of the mothers. Henry VIII's first wife had syphilis: therefore Henry had it, therefore Anne Boleyn had it, therefore Elizabeth was born with it. Catherine of Aragon had probably been born with it too.

A generation or two ago Christians were supposed to believe in Original Sin: the sins of Eve, the sins of Adam. Can you find enough Christians today, from any sect, that believe in Original Sin, to form a bridge foursome?

Ivan Illich pointed out, I've been trying to second for decades, yesterday's religions have been supplanted by one religion: America: the US, democracy ... the schooled schooling the schooled, professionals, experts ... the meritorious meritocracy: secular hypocrisy crowding out sacred hypocrisy. My landlord expresses an important aspect of this new faith that's swept up and jumbled all previous faiths (I've been telling landlord stories in the PaulKnatz blog, see in the date slot starting 2010 August 01) with the line "I'm not responsible for anything my grandfather did." Dan has explained further: if his grandfather sold liquor to Indians or kept slaves, that's no business of his.

Many another American would agree: and there are zillions waiting for a green card who would agree if it would help them get one: and maybe in this contemporary world they'd agree even without the prospect of a green card. But let me continue the implications: How about if your grandfather did the Brinks heist? Do you legitimately inherit the loot? How about if your grandfather deforested North America? If we're running out of resources, does the earth owe you an exemption?

Or how about this: what if there's a God, and a Judgment: and what if God agrees with that line in the Bible? How are you going to shut him up? What team of lawyers will be able to interrupt God and prevent his judgment?

Never mind God: if your grandfather despoiled the earth, how are you going to get resources? by magic?