Well, Steve, that's a more literal explanation of original sin than I'd buy. My thinking is that we are born into an "environment of sin." Kids learn hatred and racism at an early age, despite the best efforts of their parents. I think it's because we all live in an environment that's filled with anger.

There is a tendency to view theological issues as algebraic equations, as simplistic conclusions drawn from a simplifies set of rules and doctrines. Theology is the study of a spiritual perspective of life. Life isn't so cut-and-dried, and neither is theology. The doctrine of original sin doesn't make sense unless you assume that there's a reality behind it - the same goes for all theology: it doesn't make sense unless there's a reality behind it. I think the reality of original sin is our angry world. Most of us would agree that it's difficult to live in this angry world without succumbing to anger ourselves.

Pete, I'm not quite sure what you mean. Paul's letters follow a format that was common in his time. They begin with a greeting, and continue with words of thanks and good wishes for the recipients. Then they move to the main issue of the letter, usually a theological question. In about the second-last chapter of each letter, Paul begins what theologians call a "moral exhortation," which may or may not be related to the theological question addressed in the main part of the letter. These "moral exhortations" give advice on how to live a good life, and I find many of these exhortations to be beautiful and inspiring. The ones I like best are in Ephesians and Colossians, but then right at the end of the exhortation they go into the bit about wives being subject to their husbands and such (I tend to disagree with Paul on these matters. Some people say that Paul was a product of his time. I say he was just wrong, even though I appreciate most other things he had to say). The letters conclude with words of blessing. Then, almost as a postscript, Paul includes interesting little personal remarks and messages to individuals in the community he is addressing - I find these to be very human. At times, it seems that Paul is writing the postscript in his own hand, and the major part of the letter was written by a secretary (amanuensis in Greek).

You'll find that almost every letter attributed to Paul follows this outline, and some of the other New Testament letters follow the same outline. Other New Testament "letters" are more in the form of a sermon.

-Joe-