Original Sin?

Quote: Face

I know Nareed takes cooking seriously.

Not that seriously. but yes.

Quote:

But I can't imagine her pouring over chemistry literature to determine exactly the perfect process of breaking down the amino acids in her meat for that perfect filet, or using Walter White levels of specific temps and amounts for her sauces.

Oh, not even close. I even think "molecular gastronomy" is an expensive, pretentious fad. I've only a vague idea what goes on in the food when it cooks. Far more important is "are the onions burning?" or "how to flip over the omelette while the underside is cooked and the top is raw liquid." Things like that. About the only time I go really far is in peeling and seeding tomatoes. Then I do know they must boil for a bit, then dunked in ice water to arrest the cooking process, well, cold.

On the other hand I've done three iterations of chicken and yogurt, four of cream of green bell pepper, three of potato soup, three of sweet and sour sauce (with no end in sight), five of spaghetti sauce from scratch with a sixth merely awaiting a slow cooker (another reason I haven't posted new recipes to the blog). And I'm stubborn and don't seek out recipes much, but preffer to figure things out for myself.

But here's the kicker: one thing I can and often do is cook a meal from whatever I can find in the freezer, fridge and pantry. That, to me, is a measure of my talent and rather short experience.

Quote: chickenman

Round and round we go: so Baptism doesn't absolve us of original sin? The obvious contradictions keep the whole story from being taken seriously.

Okay in order to avoid being hoisted upon a petard (whatever that is) or burned at the stake for being a heretic I do need to clarify a few things. Original Sin is forgiven at baptism but its effects remain, in the Catechism this is called concupiscence. What is meant by the forgiveness of original sin is that we can again trust in God and see Him as our heavenly Father. We are freed from the guilt and shame of not being perfect and rejoice rather in being children of God and heirs to the Kingdom. We don't need to cover ourselves before God and hide from Him. Jesus Christ the perfect one has opened again the way to the Father and through our relationship with Him we are loved and given the Grace we need to do the best we can to respond to that love and to serve others. This is important so please let me know if I need to clarify further.

Quote: FrGamble

It is about wrestling with our weakness and wondering why I feel ashamed about my inability to be perfect or to even stop desiring to be perfect.

I never understood the idea of "perfection." Except as far as surgeons go. This can best be illustrated witha quote by Isaac Asimov. After undergoing surgery, he told his surgeon "I understand, doctor, that the proceudre was a success." The surgeon disdainfully replied "A success? It was perfect!" When it comes to any kind of surgery, that's a healthy attitude.

Quote: FrGamble

Okay in order to avoid being hoisted upon a petard (whatever that is)...

A petard was a medieval explosive device used to breach fortress walls. I suppose you can picture literally what would be happening if you were "hoisted by your own". In essence, you blew yourself up.

"Hoisted by one's own petard" is an idiom meant to convey that one has fallen into one's own trap, or that one's words can be used against them.

Look at me. I've come over all "PacoMartin" ;)

Quote: FrGamble

Okay in order to avoid being hoisted upon a petard (whatever that is) or burned at the stake for being a heretic I do need to clarify a few things. Original Sin is forgiven at baptism but its effects remain, in the Catechism this is called concupiscence. What is meant by the forgiveness of original sin is that we can again trust in God and see Him as our heavenly Father. We are freed from the guilt and shame of not being perfect and rejoice rather in being children of God and heirs to the Kingdom. We don't need to cover ourselves before God and hide from Him. Jesus Christ the perfect one has opened again the way to the Father and through our relationship with Him we are loved and given the Grace we need to do the best we can to respond to that love and to serve others. This is important so please let me know if I need to clarify further.

Good ansa :-)

BTW, I'm amazed this thread has gone on as long as it has, without it all being about Windows 8(.1) and 99% of the posts being written by one person. :)

Quote: FrGamble

That right there is what I am talking about. You've given voice to the little whisper in all of us that hearkens back to what we truly are as human beings - made in the image and likeness of God. There is more to us and we know it somehow deep within.

Original sin is that which keeps us from reaching and that maintaining that subjective perfection. As you correctly note we realize that the best we can hope for here on earth is not perfection but to strive to do the best we can. What more could be asked of this than this; do the best you can. However, do you notice that as you strive to do just that your best keeps getting better and better?

No, as I get older, I find my physical ability and patience faultering sooner than when I was younger.

Quote: FrGamble

Original Sin is forgiven at baptism but its effects remain, in the Catechism this is called concupiscence.

Wait wait wait - didn't God's one and only begotten Son die for all of our sins, past-present-future, why do we need to have them absolved again at birth/baptism…?

You are correct, God's one and only begotten Son has died for all of our sins, past, present, and future. Our acceptance of this forgiveness is what leads to our Justification.

Face, in my Christian Anthropology I do think the desire for perfection is absolutely universal! In our heart of hearts we are not fine with "good enough" unless our "good enough" is on a sliding scale that can always challenge us to go further.

I'm aware that this seems very different than what we observe, unless we use this idea to see the reason behind the unhappiness or dissatisfaction in so many people. The concept of original sin is not defeated by so many people who seem to settle for okay, but is proved by how many of those people are frustrated with themselves and the situations of life they find themselves in, which seemingly force them to accept mediocrity. There is no doubt that perfection is impossible to attain in this life. This fact is precisely what is particularly maddening for everyone, even those who are bold and risk defeat in their pursuit of it. For those who seem to have given up even the pursuit of perfection they struggle with why no amount of TV or other forms of entertainment can truly fulfill them.

Right now we all have limited space, time, physical ability, intellect, jobs, etc., etc. that will always be a governor to how fast we can go or what we can accomplish. But ask yourself concerning your racing or Nareed in regards to her cooking, what if all the obstacles were removed what would you do then? Then think past our passionate hobbies or gifts to the idea of loving your spouse or child, what if you could do that perfectly as well? Yes, this is what we ALL want and try as we might anything less than perfect leaves us wanting or dreaming for more. This dream of perfection that we have no earthly experience of is not a fantasy, it is the reality that you and I and everyone where made for a perfect eternity with God in Heaven. Our weakened condition calls out for a savior to make up in us what is lacking through sin, so that one day we can finally be perfect and truly, truly, happy.