Sin Reconsidered: A Comparative Study of Classical Theology and Murphy-O’Connor’s Pauline Anthropology

This article presents a comparative theological analysis of classical theology’s conception of sin and Jerome Murphy-O’Connor’s reinterpretation of Pauline anthropology. Classical theology, shaped by figures such as Augustine and Aquinas, traditionally frames sin as an inherited flaw - legalistic, inward, and individualistic - emphasizing moral acts, personal guilt, and the necessity of sacramental remedies. This framework has dominated catechetical instruction and moral theology for centuries, often fostering a pessimistic view of human nature.
In contrast, Murphy-O’Connor’s reading of Paul redefines sin as a structural condition rooted in the false value systems of the world. Rather than focusing on individual transgressions, he emphasizes the societal forces that alienate humanity from its authentic self. Authentic existence, according to Murphy-O’Connor, is not achieved through isolated moral acts but through participation in a community modeled on the humanity of Christ. The Christian community, as the Body of Christ, becomes the barrier to sin, empowering individuals to move from “death” (inauthentic existence) to “life” (authentic being).
This study employs a comparative framework to highlight the theological, anthropological, and pastoral implications of these two paradigms. It draws on historical sources, doctrinal developments, and Murphy-O’Connor’s pastoral anthropology to explore how communal belonging reshapes moral responsibility.
The findings suggest that reframing sin as a structural condition invites a shift in catechesis and religious education from individual moralism to relational ethics rooted in community. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of Christian identity, moral formation, and the liberating power of grace as mediated through authentic relationships. Ultimately, Murphy-O’Connor’s insights offer a hopeful vision of redemption that challenges the pessimism of classical doctrine and affirms the transformative potential of Christian community.

Structural Sin, Authentic Humanity, Christian Community, Pauline Anthropology, Catechesis

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