In the early days of my Christian life, during the late 1970’s, I was introduced to the doctrine of original sin. First promoted in the 2nd century by Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, then established by St Augustine a century later, it became central to reformers such as Luther and Calvin. Hence our exposure to original sin today, though the reformed church. The doctrine takes Paul’s presentation of sin coming into the world through one man Adam, and consequentially in all of humanity (see Romans 5:12-21, 1 Corinthians 15:22, and Psalm 51:5). Essentially the doctrine says we are born sinful. Now that humankind is sinful is without any doubt. I just have to look into my own selfish heart, look around me, down the ages of history, in last night’s news, and in the going on’s around town. Way back then in the 1970’s, however, there was a constant niggle in the back of my mind. It has taken me a few decades to understand this niggle and fully express it. The niggle started in Genesis (1:26-31, and 2:25) where it always appeared to me humankind was first good before it was bad. In light of all these great theologians and the influence of the reformed church who am I to question where sin originated. However, reading well and wide, I have discovered many other reputable voices that think alike. And after all are we not each to formulate, as best we can, what we actually believe? Perhaps the doctrine should really be original goodness! The following words attributed to Nelson Mandela, but actually from the book “Return to Love,” by Marianne Williamson, describe the doctrine of original goodness perfectly, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God.” These words paraphrase the two Genesis readings above – God created man and woman wonderfully good! Read Psalm 139:13,14. He did this on the sixth day, and he was very pleased. Friends, let us celebrate that we are good beyond measure, it is who we are, it is written in our DNA – we are created in the very beautiful image of God. Yes, something has gone terrible wrong, we all know that. God knew it too, which is why his plan was always to restore his image in us through Jesus his son. But, we start good, first, never forget that, and despite sin we are good again, because God is good and God makes us good again. That is the final word, not original sin.