Not To Be Confused With
Original sin is the fallen condition all inherit; actual sins are the particular wrongs we then commit. Traditions differ over guilt vs. corruption and how grace and baptism address it.
Rooted in Romans 5:12–21 and Psalm 51:5. Augustine gave it classic Western shape against Pelagius; the East often speaks of inherited mortality and corruption more than inherited guilt. All agree the human will is bent and needs grace — the disagreements are over how deep the damage goes (see total depravity).