Hamartiology

/ˌhæ.mɑr.ti.ˈɑl.ə.dʒi/ noun

Definition

The theological study of sin, error, and human wrongdoing; the branch of theology concerned with understanding the nature and consequences of human sin.

Etymology

From Greek hamartia ('sin' or 'error') combined with -logy ('study of'), forming a theological term coined to systematically examine humanity's capacity for wrongdoing.

Kelly Says

Theologians created hamartiology to answer a profound question: if humans are created in God's image, why do we sin?—the debate over this led to completely different religious traditions and philosophies!

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