The time before the sin of Adam was a time of bliss. St. Paul does not talk about this era. But from what he does write, it is reasonable to conclude that the main characteristic of life in Eden was harmony. Not only harmony between people and God, but also harmony among people and harmony between humanity and nature.

It's difficult for us to conceive of the rational process that led St. Paul to write that the sin of Adam brought condemnation on all who came after. To us, the source of the doctrine of original sin is obvious – the story in Genesis of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit.

In a dispute with the Jewish leaders, Jesus chastises them by saying, "How can you believe when you accept glory from one another?" (John 5.44). Why depend on God when you are already full of yourself?

Most serious Christians have, at one time or another, tried to convince a non-believer of the truth of the Gospel. Maybe some have had success, but certainly not me.