There is no such thing as “generational sin.”
That sentence may shock some readers who have aligned themselves with well-known Catholic writers and priests who argue to the contrary. The “generational sin” concept is most commonly found in celebrity exorcist circles, within which exorcism and specific deliverance prayers are thought to be the antidote for finally throwing off the yoke of the sins of one’s parents, grandparents, and line of great-grandparents.
The plain language of “generational sin” clearly contradicts Catholic doctrine. And not only is it bad theology, it can put a hyperfocus on demons and demonology, exalt the power of demons, and divert one’s attention away from the mercy and love of God. It can also cause significant depression and anxiety.
I’d like to begin by focusing on this last point. Because the whole concept that there exists a demonic stranglehold on Christians—one that can be cured only by some new and special prayers—is eerily familiar to me. I’ve seen it before—and suffered through this junk theology before. It was called “The Three Days of Darkness.”
Back in 1984, when I was thirteen years old, a Catholic friend told me about the “Three Days of Darkness.”
Essentially, it was envisioned in the following manner.
There would be a 72-hour period in which Hell would break loose—literally. Voracious demons would roam the earth. The sun would not appear. No electricity would work, so you would have to use candles for light. But they couldn’t just be any random candles; they had to be blessed candles. And not just blessed candles, but those specifically made of 100% pure beeswax. Only these would light. (Why Zippo lighters or ordinary paper matches would work to light those special candles was never explained.)
I’m forgetting some of the other details—of which there were many—including the way to prevent the demons from actually getting inside your house. Suffice it to say that there were plenty of precise specifics about how this would take place, as well as minute details about how you could—hopefully—prevent the devil from getting you. There were unique prayers to say and exacting things to do.
Nevertheless, a plethora of people would die during this melee and, presumably, be dragged to Hell.
Now, remember that I was all of thirteen years old at the time. The woman who told me about this seemed like she knew what she was talking about. And talk about, she did. In fairness to her, she wasn’t alone: several other adults in my life seemed to agree with her on every major and minor point regarding the Three Days of Darkness.
Some also claimed to know the time when it would happen with some precision. They thought that, while the Three Days might not necessarily happen before 1984 was out, it would surely occur before the end of the 1980s. These people were older and wiser—or so I thought—and they were just so sure. This was not an if; this was a when.
But there was something else in the presentation that alarmed me. The people who talked about it seemed guardedly happy—almost eager—about its occurrence. Why? Because in this process, the bad souls would go to Hell, leaving the good souls in peace. Several questions went through my mind every day: Was I supposed to be eager too? Why aren’t I eager? Why do I just feel scared?
I spent many months as a young teenager assuming that I would never see the age of twenty—that is, if I were even lucky enough to see the age of sixteen. It would have been nice if I had spent all those months thinking about God’s love and mercy for me, but that’s not what I was pondering at all. The Three Days of Darkness was coming. I was worried about demonic activity in my front yard—or in my dining room.
I’ve written often about my issues with scrupulosity growing up. And while the genesis of scrupulosity is hard to pin down, it’s pretty likely that this Three Days of Darkness scare played a leading role. And beyond that, I developed a digestive disorder during this time. That disorder lasted quite some time.
It would be very natural to ask: Why didn’t you just ask someone else about this? That’s a good question.
First, because so many Catholics around me seemed to want this to happen, I was afraid of coming across as the person who didn’t look forward to it. Second, many holy people, in my estimation, seemed certain that this was going to happen. Who else should I ask? Third, they were referencing Catholic mystics, who were—I was assured—predicting this.
Given that set of circumstances and my relatively young age, Who was I to question?
There was no escape.
The Three Days of Darkness were coming—soon.
And so, I became scrupulous and sick.
In fairness, my parents had no real way of knowing about my scrupulosity and illness. I guess I played these off pretty well. Growing up, my mom frequently commented that I “should be an actor.” What she didn’t know was that I was already acting—acting like I was okay.
Of course, as the months and years went by, something funny happened: nothing happened. Just as the song predicted, the sun did—in fact—”come out tomorrow.”
In short, I should have done my research. But, to be fair to my young teenage self, it wasn’t like I could hop on archive.org back in those days to investigate the matter, or drive myself to the Library of Congress. But had I been able to do that, I would have discovered that the Church never taught this, and that the mystics’ “predictions” were either erroneous, or fake, or misquoted, or misunderstood in the first place. (Happily, Jimmy Akin recently did this. Jimmy, where were you in 1984?)
The more things change, the more they stay the same—as the saying goes.
Perhaps this is why my heart goes out to those young men and women who find themselves enveloped in a similar quandary today. The thought process often goes like this: Demons have a strange hold on my life. Baptism didn’t solve the problem. It doesn’t matter if I go to Confession; priests cannot absolve me of great-granddad’s sins. Reception of the Holy Eucharist will forgive venial sins, but will not work against generational sins. What’s needed here are deliverance prayers and/or an exorcism—and not just an exorcism by a diocesan priest whom the bishop has appointed, but by a “more powerful” exorcist who really gets it.
If you are one such Catholic teenager—or Catholic of any age—who has undergone this plague of worry about “generational sin,” please let me assure you: rest easy. Irrespective of the fact that it has become a widespread belief in some Catholic circles, there is no such thing as “generational sin.”
Based on my research, I cannot find a single Catholic who believed in “generational sin” until very recently. And neither can, it seems, Father John Perricone, who recently commented in an interview with Matt Fradd:
Now suddenly, we have a cottage industry of priests who are boasting about being exorcists. This is very unhealthy. Because it’s going to have Catholics…beginning to think that, ‘Oh, my goodness! Might the devil be there in everything I do? Is he waiting for me here? Is he waiting for me there? Is the sin of my father going to come to me?’ This was never spoken of before the council.
To Father’s point: Which Church Father, Doctor of the Church, saint, council, official catechism, entry in Denziger, citation in Ott’s Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma, or papal encyclical has ever expressed belief in “generational sin?”
For that matter, what Church document even allows belief in generational sin—especially following baptism?
After all, Saint Thomas Aquinas confirms: “Consequently every sin is taken away by Baptism.”(Summa Theologiae, Q. 69. Art. 1)
The Catechism of the Catholic Church confirms this: “By Baptism all sins are forgiven, original sin and all personal sins, as well as all punishment for sin.”(CCC, 1263).
That is clear, definitive, and authoritative teaching.
The Council of Trent is extensively clear on this. Keeping in mind that God hates sin, Trent declares: “If anyone denies that by the grace of Our Lord Jesus Christ, which is conferred in baptism, the guilt of original sin is remitted, or says that the whole of that which belongs to the essence of sin is not taken away, but says that it is only canceled or not imputed, let him be anathema. For in those who are born again God hates nothing.” (The Council of Trent, Fifth Session, “Decree on Original Sin.”)
“By Baptism all sins are forgiven.” This is clear, infallible, and irreformable teaching. Thus, a person cannot hold that baptism fails to vanquish all sins. Simply, sin cannot survive baptism. Thus, there cannot be “generational sin.”
One last point. There will be those who object and say that “generational sin” does not actually refer to “sin.” Rather, the argument might go, it just refers to the effects of sin. If that is what they mean, then it is imperative that they use a different term, because that is an ontologically different thing, indeed. Theology is not a word game in which we can throw around doctrinal terms to suit our own purposes as we see fit.
And even beyond that, it is vital that we look at the effects of sin through the lens of divine mercy, God’s infinite love, and His incomprehensibly strong desire to save your soul. Because God not only forgives sins, but can vanquish the effects of sin as well in our own lives. The sacraments and sacramentals give testimony to this fact.
We can also turn back sixteen centuries to Saint John Chrysostom’s teaching in his Third Homily on the Gospel of Matthew. He writes that Christ “teaches us also hereby, never to hide our face at our forefathers’ wickedness, but to seek after…virtue. For such a man, though he have an alien for his ancestor, though he have a mother who is a prostitute, or what you will, can take no hurt thereby.”
Simply put, there is no such thing as “generational sin.”
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Mr. Clark says, “The plain language of ‘generational sin’ clearly contradicts Catholic doctrine.
Where is the plain language of generational sin denied in Catholic doctrine? What exactly is the ‘language of generational sin?’
I do know the doctrine of original sin. The church, based on scripture, has traditionally explained original sin as resulting from the sin of our ‘first parents’ and transmitted through the generations to every person conceived in sin and to all of humanity (excepting Mary).
Would the author not call original sin an example of a generational sin?
(I did not read the entire article so maybe this is explained later?)
No, the author is not talking about the effects of original sin, but of a belief that the sins of immediate ancestors continue to oppress and entangle their descendants As Peter noted, it may be rooted in “an intuitive and very confused recollection of “original sin.” And that’s being charitable. It’s better to read the rest of the article to understand what the author is describing here.
Original sin is removed by baptism. Only concupiscence remains.
Yes. The point is that original sin, sans baptism, remains. Prior to baptism, or in its lack, original sin is a sin passed on from generation to generation. Yes.
a LOT of people from Christian upbringings are not baptizing their children
What degrees in Theology, philosophy, etc does this author hold? I wonder if he is out of his depth challenging those with years or experience in Exorcism and PhD as well as advanced degrees.
The idea of generational sin, or a better term might be generational curses comes from Ex:20:5 God punishes children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the fourth generation of those who reject Him [commit iniquity or moral evil by rejecting him]. But showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love Him and keep His commandments.
There are Consequences to our behavior. Both good and bad. For us and our children.
The argument here is that Jer 31:29-30 & Ezk 18:1-4,20 render Ex 20:5 null and void.
Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel speak of the future when this happens, but it appears that the author, John Clark, is saying that baptism has wiped out all spiritual consequences of a parents sin. Clark, and his interpretation of Catholic doctrine, may acknowledges that the negative consequences of ancestral sins (such as genetic tendencies, trauma, or social patterns) can affect descendants, but these ‘like father, like son’ consequences are no longer considered supernatural or inherited curses.
Even if you accept the idea that Baptism and the new Covenant of Jesus’ blood protects children from Spiritual consequences, doesn’t the parent need to apply that prayer to their children?
If the right approach to Ex 20:5 back then was to call on the Lord, Does that still apply today?
… to avail ourselves of His mercy, for ourselves, for each other, as Moses did. Nm14:19 Forgive the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your steadfast love, just as you have pardoned this people, from Egypt even until now.”
I interpret Clark’s article to say it is wrong to pray for forgiveness in the generational line, to pray healing for the family tree, because it is an affront to God’s mercy. I find that imprudent.
And to quote that there is ‘a cottage industry of priests who are boasting about being exorcists’ and creating a ‘very unhealthy’ fear of the devil, without naming anyone, is reckless.
So I ask, specifically, are Fathers Chad Ripperger, Carlos Martins, and Monsignor Stephen Rossetti part of this cottage industry?
If not, Clark has soiled their good names.
About “intergenerational sin,” methinks this notion is an intuitive and very confused recollection of “original sin.” The fact that we, all of us of all generations, are inclined but not determined, by concupiscence. That is, our universal vulnerability to unrestrained or unnatural instincts once original and preternatural grace is absent.
An earlier exaggeration, in the sixteenth century, was Luther’s scrupulous conclusion that human nature is totally depraved, not simply deprived. Not at all capable of a sacramental and moral life, but simply overwhelmed by grace—or not. To Luther is attributed our comparison with “dung covered with snow.”
Fifth-century Pelagianism is the opposite exaggeration—grace is superfluous. The crucial subtleties of Faith & Reason are also lost in our generation where inquisitive thought is so easily displaced by any pre-Christian mythology or by one opposable-thumb app or another.
So, about the “three days of darkness,” we must consult the great theologian Yogi Berra who reveals that, “it’s very difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.”
I’ve now read the full article and your comment.
Methinks thou dost conflate a past article with the present. Therein you’ve made day dark.
Yogi was a theologian? I did not know that.
On the first day, God did separate day from night, and that would be unbelievable but for faith. Three days of darkness does seem a contradiction against God’s simplicity and Actus Purus. As such, it seemeth not to stand to reason, if reason can be said to stand.
Again, it poured cats and dogs in Seattle today, when few believe Seattle has a dry season, let alone animals coming out of a cloud.
Thanks for the funny you sometimes post. See how you inspired me? Who says we don’t influence each other or that sin forgiven has little effect!?
Yogi also quipped:
“It gets late early here.”
Thank you for stating this clearly. I am always amazed at what “religious” people will do to prey upon the ignorant and superstitious for power.
Especially those that view the state as a god.
Even the late former Marxist Eugene Genovese began his “journey home” when he took at the death counts attributable to Hitler, Stalin, Mao, Pol Pot, Castro and so many others who erected their variant of god state, after they prey on the ignorant and indolent to attain power.
Or those who view Trump as god?
Name one.
Sometimes we Catholics are prone to examine the most infinitesimal minute aspects of our faith. Such an examination when carried out unrelentingly and in an obsessive manner can drive one crazy. Our faith should not be over-examined, over-thought or over-done. I don’t believe Christ intended this. I think Christ came not to consign us to endless grief and worry but to experience His peace and His joy.
You came to heal the contrite. Lord have mercy.
You came to call sinners. Christ have mercy.
You plead for us at the right hand of the Father. Lord have mercy.
“The “generational sin” concept is most commonly found in celebrity exorcist circles, within which exorcism and specific deliverance prayers are thought to be the antidote for finally throwing off the yoke of the sins of one’s parents, grandparents, and line of great-grandparents.”
Apart from the clear attempt to dismiss these warrior priests with the adjective “celebrity”; and apart from the sin we inherited from Adam and Eve, that is not what these priests are saying.
What they are saying is the EFFECTS of sin persist. Assume a parent is involved in something criminal or immoral. There’s all kinds of effects that accrues to the child. They are not culpable, but the effects (loss of parental involvement, earnings, a loss of parental respect) due pass down.
Celebrity exorcists are not casting out demons because of the effect of sin. They claim openly that you are possessed by demons due to someone else’s actions. Superstitious balderdash.
Mr. Beaulieu above (11:48 a.m.)
I thought total depravity and dung covered with snow were Calvin’s contributions.
Calvin’s contribution was that transubstantiation/the Blessed Sacrament is only symbolic, not even Luther’s “impanation.” Plus the substitute theocracy of Geneva.
No, the denial of the Real Presence came from Zwingli and Oecolampadius. Total depravity and dung covered with snow were Luther. Double predestination (God predestined some to heaven and some to hell so your actions are basically irrelevant except as a sign of where you are going) was Calvin.
That was the Mad Monk of Deckhead. It is very likely Luther had a myriad of psychological disturbances, including obsessive compulsive disorder and “potty mouth”.
What of the myth of a thousand years of earthly happiness and peace following Christ’s return to earth to reign as king. Followed by another arrival for the final judgment? Taken from a literal interpretation of Revelation 20.
After this kingdom, Satan is briefly let loose, followed by the final judgment. This view is popular in many evangelical and dispensational traditions. Unfortunately, some commenters on Catholic websites discussed it as a reality.
Our Church interprets Revelation 20 as an apparent reference to Christ ruling from heaven after the resurrection.
The “myth” you refer to about the 1,000 years of earthy happiness and peace is referred to by Fathers of Church, (Justin Martyr, Tertullian, Irenaus, Lantactius, Augustine) Saints and even Popes (Pius X, Pius XI, JPII) although they refer to it as potentially occurring before the actual second coming of Christ. Here are a couple examples:
St. Justin Martyr: (100-165 A.D.)
I and every other orthodox Christian feel certain that there will be a resurrection of the flesh followed by a thousand years in a rebuilt, embellished, and enlarged city of Jerusalem, as was announced by the Prophets Ezekiel, Isaias and others… A man among us named John, one of Christ’s Apostles, received and foretold that the followers of Christ would dwell in Jerusalem for a thousand years, and that afterwards the universal and, in short, everlasting resurrection and judgment would take place. (Dialogue with Trypho. Ch. 30)
St. Irenaeus: (130-202 A.D.)
The predicted blessing, therefore, belongs unquestionably to the times of the kingdom… when also the creation, having been renovated and set free, shall fructify with an abundance of all kinds of food, from the dew of heaven, and from the fertility of the earth: as the elders who saw John, the disciple of the Lord, related that they had heard from him how the Lord used to teach in regard to these times … and that all animals feeding [only] on the productions of the earth, should [in those days] become peaceful and harmonious among each other, and be in perfect subjection to man. (Against Heresies. Book V. Ch. 33. P. 3)
These quotes are from the book The Splendor of Creation by Fr. Joseph Iannuzzi which is a balanced treatment of what the Church teaches about this era of peace.
Relevant reading: Sins of the Father: A Catholic and Biblical Approach to Generational Curses, by Dan Schneider, Ph.D.
Description from the publisher, TAN Books:
Sins of the Father offers a careful Catholic examination of what Scripture means when it speaks of “the sins of the fathers” being visited upon future generations. Drawing from Sacred Scripture, the Church Fathers, and centuries of Catholic theological reflection, Dr. Dan Schneider explores the relationship between original sin, inherited consequences of sin, concupiscence, spiritual warfare, and God’s justice and mercy. Rather than relying on speculation or popular misconceptions, this work grounds the discussion firmly within the Church’s doctrinal and spiritual tradition. Blending scholarly research with pastoral experience, Dr. Schneider also addresses the practical realities encountered in healing ministry and spiritual warfare. Each chapter concludes with prayers rooted in Catholic tradition, while the book culminates in practical guidance for those seeking spiritual freedom and an informative interview with renowned exorcist Fr. Chad Ripperger. The result is a balanced, theologically rigorous resource for understanding inherited spiritual struggles through the lens of authentic Catholic teaching.
What This Book Offers:
Biblical Foundations: Examine what Scripture teaches about “the sins of the fathers” and inherited consequences of sin.
Patristic Wisdom: Discover how the Church Fathers, especially St. Augustine, developed the doctrine of original sin.
Spiritual Warfare Guidance: Learn the Church’s understanding of demonic influence, healing, and authentic deliverance.
Practical Prayer: Utilize traditional Catholic prayers and pastoral guidance to foster spiritual freedom and deeper trust in Christ.
Clarify Difficult Questions: Understand inherited guilt, original sin, and the lasting effects of sin through authentic Catholic theology.
Deepen Spiritual Discernment: Learn to distinguish Catholic teaching from common misconceptions regarding generational curses.
Strengthen Spiritual Warfare: Apply the Church’s wisdom through prayer, the sacraments, and faithful perseverance.
Grow in Hope: Discover how Christ’s victory, Baptism, and grace overcome the power of sin and evil.
Benefit from Practical Experience: Read contemporary case studies alongside theological reflection and pastoral guidance.
From the Book
“The Church Fathers used Scripture to hammer out various key doctrines in antiquity. One of these was the doctrine of original sin. The sin of Adam is a ‘pattern’—and Adam ‘is the type of the one to come,’ that is, Jesus.”
— Dr. Dan Schneider
Intended Audience
This book is ideal for Catholics seeking a deeper understanding of original sin, spiritual warfare, and the Church’s teaching on inherited spiritual consequences. It is especially valuable for clergy, spiritual directors, those involved in healing or deliverance ministry, family leaders, and lay faithful who desire a sound theological foundation for addressing difficult questions about sin, grace, and spiritual freedom.
FAQs
Is “generational sin” an official Catholic doctrine?
The specific expression is not a defined dogma, but this book explores the biblical and patristic foundations for understanding the inherited consequences of sin within the broader framework of Catholic doctrine. Does the book discuss spiritual warfare?
Yes. It examines the relationship between sin, demonic influence, grace, and authentic Catholic approaches to spiritual warfare and healing. Are the prayers suitable for Catholic use?
Yes. The prayers are rooted in traditional Catholic spirituality and are intended for private devotional use in harmony with the Church’s teaching.
Key Themes
Original Sin and Inherited Consequences: Understanding humanity’s fallen condition through Catholic doctrine.
Spiritual Warfare: Authentic Catholic teaching on healing, deliverance, and perseverance.
Patristic Theology: Insights from the Church Fathers on grace, justice, mercy, and redemption.
Freedom in Christ: Living in the grace of Baptism while cooperating with God’s healing work.
Thank you for this.
Add to this, the “Illunination of Conscience” nonsense that is promoted by Garabandal devotees, as well as the imaginings of a coming “Chastisement” associated with the Divine Will “devotion”.
As I understand it, there is no requirement that a religious idea explicitly show up in a Church document in order for it to be permitted (that would have been pretty awkward in the early Church). It merely cannot contradict Church teaching. It would therefore be up to the author to show how the idea conflicts with Church teaching (or reason and observation).
He has not done this for generational sin.
I have never heard of generational sin as carrying any sort of personal guilt. However much the author was frightened by silly and over-dramatic adults as a 13-year-old, that is obviously wrong from even the elementary Baltimore catechism. It is the generational effects of sin, and sometimes demons that attach to sin. Their primary method is to tempt us where we are particularly weak, and the sins of parents can deeply wound and thereby weaken their children.
The generational effects are readily observable, and they are formational, not genetic. When a parent sins badly in some regard, the children tend to go either the same way, or to the opposite extreme, because they have not been shown the happy medium (virtue lies in the mean), and commit actual sin in their turn. Violence and timidity, alcoholism and teetotalling, etc. Then their children in turn have the same or oppposite trouble. There’s a reason “stop the cycle” is repeated so much, particularly among victims of childhood abuse.
The Old Testament talked about 7 generations to slowly heal the wounds in one place. In another place I think it was 4 generations. Scripture is the origin of the terminology, and it also uses the word “sin” to refer to the wounds of sin, or to the sacrifices for sin, as well as to personnally committed sin. Let’s not get so caught up in strict theological terminology that we cannot read the Bible!
In Christ, with the Sacraments and practice of virtue and prayer (sometimes including deliverance prayers), we can be healed and sanctified ourselves, even with many personal mortal sins – the Divine Physician works wonders. But common experience indicates that an awful lot of people (or their parents) are not cooperating with that, and also that it can take years even so. Ultimately, that healing and sanctifying process is more about becoming closer to God, than about getting rid of baggage – which is why God permits such things at all. That relationship is worth everything.
Amen.
Well put. Thank you.
Of course generational sin is an invention through contagion with Evangelicals or whatever. But what has that to do with prophecies of chastisement? Don’t forget the Fatima message of whole nations being annihilated and Russia spreading its errors throughout the world. These things regard the present and future. One cannot dismiss this particular prophesy by means of theology or ridicule.
How does AI correct Deutschland as “Deckhead”?
This is why I think it’s digital laetrile.
By the way, Sandisk, a stock that was $40/share a year ago, was $2354 a couples ago, closed @ 1411 on 7/16 and as I write this is $1366 in after hours trading.
Good for me.
“Deckhead”?
It could have been worse.
🙂
Much.
Now there is a word I have not seen in a long time.
From the website of the National Cancer Institute:
laetrile
Originally, the name laetrile was the contraction of laevo-mandelonitrile glucoside, a cyanogenic glycoside found naturally in some plants. Over the years the meaning of laetrile has changed. There are now preparations called Laetrile where amygdalin is the major constituent. Laetrile and amygdalin are often used interchangeably, but are different agents. Cyanide and benzaldehyde are metabolites of both laetrile and amygdalin. Both metabolites may possess antineoplastic properties. Laetrile has been used as an anticancer treatment in humans worldwide, but scientific evidence does not support its effectiveness. It is not approved for use in the United States.
Jesus put a child before the apostles and taught them that here was the epitome of virtue, and that adults had to return to tis state of innocence to attain heaven, and hence the need for spiritual rebirth. Jesus knew nothing about ‘original sin’ as that doctrine was only declared 400 years later, when St Augustine convinced the hierarchy that the Garden of Eden story in Genesis was actually historical, and that a cunning talking snake was reality. Jesus knew nothing about the ‘Fall’, that all humans were sinful, i.e. violent, and that we should all go about in armour because everyone is out to punch or stab us, because he, as do we all, had no fear going down the street that we’re going to attacked by every passer-by. The idea that we are the detestable product of ‘original sin’ was adopted and preached much later and is still unfortunately the predominant concept of mankind in the Church, though we all know this is not reality as the vast majority of humans are well mannered and kind to us, and we can go along a crowded street and no one will lay a finger on us. Only our theologians, it seems, still don’t see Genesis as myth, some parts very clever, but still mythical, and still regard the majority of the people they are going to meet today, are out to do them harm.
“Jesus knew nothing about…..” REALLY? I am pretty sure that since He was GOD, Jesus knew (and knows) EVERYTHING about everything. It is humans who are running to try to catch up.
If by “generational sin” we are talking about passing on blame for things like slavery, you can count me OUT of the guilt score. I am responsible for what I myself do. ONLY. I am not responsible for anyone else, parent, grandparent, or whomever. Nice try though.
Where in scripture did Jesus teach that a child was the ‘epitome of virtue’?
He did say, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” ( Matthew 18:3–4).
Whoever humbles himself is the greatest in the kingdom of Heaven. Question: Where is the kingdom of heaven?
The idea is that children are open to learning, humble, dependent upon adults to grow and learn. The apostles (adult Christians) must change. They must become humble, dependent upon God in order to learn from Him.
How did you come to believe that Genesis, original sin, and other Christian doctrine is not correct? Question: How does a human depict a spirit? Can we describe a spirit by analogy to a sensible thing? That is what the writer of Genesis has done, depicting a spirit as a ‘snake,’ something we know because we can touch, see, and hear a snake while we cannot (usually) sensibly experience a spirit. We typically stay away from snakes because some are venomous.
Your assertions counter the teaching of St. Augustine and the Church for millennia. What causes you to say that Christianity is wrong about human nature? Why do you distort scripture to make it say what you want it to say? Why do you not simply offer your evidence and your arguments? If you have any.
BTW. The Church does not teach that people continue in ‘original sin.’ Baptism cleanses us of all sin. Reconciliation refreshes and renews the life of Christ within us.
Are you Christian?
There’s a difference between Original Sin and Actual Sin.
One only needs to look at human history to see the effects of our fallen nature. Our Lord came here for a reason.
“Only our theologians”
“Our” is not appropriate here. You clearly adhere to a different theology.
While I have concerns about the number of interviews exorcists do and their following, they are filling a void in the Church that has largely been abandoned in the last 60 years. Catholics are ignoring what living in a re-paganizing society means. It means more issues with demons.
The online exorcists helped me when the rest of the clergy ignored a person whose life was in danger through possession. When bishops and priests start reclaiming our heritage and call to spiritual warfare the exorcists can recede back to hidden rooms performing exorcisms. For now, their guidance is saving lives even if it makes a lot of Catholics in all vocations who don’t want to confront the reality of demons uncomfortable.
A demonically possessed person was sent to me and I spent a long period of time and little help from multiple dioceses trying to keep the possessed person alive. Eventually, by God’s merciful love, I got them to a very holy exorcist who was able to miraculously liberate them in one session. Such are the gifts of living saints, which he is by all accounts. Here’s the thing, they were possessed from childhood—a baptized person—through their paternal grandmother’s practice of witchcraft. She was not directly cursed. It was simply by association; the effects of actual sin. This is what the exorcists mean.
Exorcists deal with the realities on the battlefield. The effects of both Original and actual sins reverberate down through generations precisely because we are ontologically connected. The doctrine of Original Sin points to this reality. Baptism washes away the punishment due but we are still wounded and live with concupiscence. No, we don’t pay the penalty for the sins of our ancestors from a salvific perspective due to the graces of baptism but we certainly can be wounded, and sometimes demonically tormented, by their effects. It’s not a coincidence that some families seem marred by certain sins from generation to generation. If the exorcist in the case I was involved in had ignored the witchcraft practiced by their grandmother then they’d still be possessed.
It would be great if the priests complaining about the exorcists like Fr. Perricone helped their people practice spiritual warfare from a Catholic perspective and all dioceses had deliverance ministries for the truly oppressed, obsessed, possessed, or infested. Then the online exorcists would no longer be a primary source for suffering people, many of whom have had real demonic encounters. There is an increasing interest in the occult especially among young women, which I witnessed serving in campus ministry. This is not something the Church can keep ignoring.
After what I went through, I have no doubt some possessed people have died with no help from the hierarchy. Theological nitpicking means little when you are desperately trying to keep a possessed person who’s been abandoned by the Church alive. The online exorcists provided enough guidance in their videos to help me intercede and guide this person until I could get them deliverance. I thank God for them.
God can and does primarily vanquish sin through the Sacraments and sacramentals but He also allows demons to operate in varied ways according to His plan for the salvation of souls. Spiritual warfare is messy and so is salvation history.
Well, won’t you be shocked when you are proven wrong? There are generational curses and generational sin. The fact that you do not believe it, does not make it false. It just means that you don’t know. We had Freemasonry in our family two generations before mine — my daughter needed an exorcism because of my great-grandfather’s Freemasonry. You are free to believe or not believe in generational sin, or chastisement, but that does not mean your opinion is sound.
Gosh, my maternal grandfather was a Freemason and I haven’t felt the need to seek an exorcism on that account. My stepfather, paternal uncle and cousin were also Masons. Guess I’m doomed.
I suspect this idea is partly a contamination from Pentecostal circles.Popular demonology also mixes in a certain amount of old folk superstitions like avoiding black animals or antiques lest evil lurk in that Victorian rocking chair.
I’m delighted to see criticism of the Three Days of Darkness. I knew a well-educated woman who carried those special candles with her at all times lest Darkness fall when she was away from home. The scenario is an interesting mirror image of the Rapture, only in our version, all the Bad people get taken to hell and the few Good people live an idyllic life until our sinful tendencies lead to corruption and the events depicted in Revelation.
The Rapture–on which our esteemed editor is an expert–was invented in the 19th C. The Three Days of Darkness was popularized by three early 19th C Italian saints–Elisabetta Canori-Mora, Gaspar del Bufalo, and a third whose name I can’t recall just now. The traditional Catholic version of the End Times, centered on the Angelic Pope and the Last World Emperor, has been replaced in the past century with other storylines. Besides the THree Days of Darkness, there’s the Warning & Chastisement & Permanent Sign predicted by the condemned events at Garbandal which in turn largely duplicate the vehemently condemned phenomena at Eskioga. The Kingdom of the Divine Will, a concept whose basic texts were on the Index, bears some resemblance the Joachim of Fiore’s medieval Everlasting Gospel. Or as St. Bernadine of Siena said of Apocalyptic speculations, “Haven’t God’s people anything better to do?”
Pretty much everyone on my daddy’s side of the family were Masons ,too. My dear uncle, RIP, was a 32nd (?) Degree Mason. I have a photo of him and my aunt wearing the red fez hats. I think they worked with the Shriners.
I had a SSPX homeschooling friend who took one of her children to a Shriners hospital for surgery.
I think Masonic conspiracy narratives and end of the world prophecies are things that can connect people together. I guess it makes us feel closer somehow when all the older ways to have fellowship and fraternal networking have mostly aged out and faded away. Including the Masons.
Ezekiel chapter 18 makes clear that one is judged only by one’s own sins, not those of one’s ancestors.
From this writer’s perspective having long observed moral behavior patterns, I can attest that there was indication that habitual behavior can alter neural structure – consequently the requirement for psychotropic medication [first developed in Germany] to alleviate the patterns [the best treatment is psychotropic medical supplemented with therapeutic counsel].
That opened the possibility that the same neural patterns might be passed on through the generations. Google AI had this to offer:
“Yes, substantial scientific evidence proves that behavior patterns become generational, transmitted to offspring both through behavioral modeling [example] and epigenetic changes (altered gene expression and brain chemistry”.
This phenomenon can also alter, to a degree, responsibility for behavior. Although, whether sufficient responsibility remains such is a mitigating factor. Do not judge others is accented in this phenomenon. Although as a priest I’m compelled to make that judgment and allow God to make the final verdict.
I remember hearing about The 3 Days of Darkness, rosary chains turning to gold at Medjugorje,etc. People making a pilgrimage there began using their rosaries more often & wore the silver plating off the chain, exposing the brass or base metal underneath.
“Generational sin” can fall into foolishness. You can take anything too far. But I have seen some weird things in families who had recent ancestors involved in seances & the like. If that’s the case, I don’t see why talking to a priest about it would be a bad idea.
But we aren’t held accountable for anything our parents or ancestors did. If we go back far enough we can all find some dark history. It’s a feature of our fallen world.
A tad off topic, but Father Morello’s distinction he makes regarding interpretation, and by extension, misinterpretation of scripture (Revelation 20), begs a question. Why are not more priests doing the same thing in their homilies? If the Catholic mind in a given parish is influenced by Protestant notions and misinterpretation of scripture, would that the priest address this in his homily as clearly as does Father Morello in his post here.
We have dispensationalists on this Board.
I’ve have a copy of Fr. Ripperger’s book on deliverance prayers. I’ve listened to Fathers Ripperger, Reehil, Rossetti, Martins… None of them ever implied that the sin was inherited. The prayers in the book never implied that the sin is inherited. Many exorcists do believe that effects of an evil act committed by an ancestor can affect descendants. The effects of original sin has affected all of us. The Eastern Churches, while not agreeing with the idea of all of us being born with original sin, agree that the affects of the original sin are with us today.
Frankly, the subtle smearing of the unnamed exorcist priests is uncalled for. Mr. Clark should aplogize.
Amen!!
Of the End Times, now this about the Anti-Christ from John Henry Newman:
“I am come in My Father’s name, and ye receive Me not; if another shall come in his own name, him yet will receive [John v. 43]. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased…Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand, but the wise shall understand [Dan. xii. 4,10]. In the last days perilous times shall come, for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof [2 Tim. Iii.:2-5]: scoffers walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His coming? [2 Pet. iii. 3,4] despising government, presumptuous…self-willed, not afraid to speak evil of dignities…promising men liberty, while themselves the servants of corruption [2 Pet. ii. 10,19]: and the like” (John Henry Newman, The Patristic Idea of AntiChrist, in “Discussions and Arguments on Various Subjects,” 11872/Gracewing & Notre Dame 2004, pp. 64-5).
With all this to look forward to, how can we already think that ours is the time of Anti-Christ? …Wait, what?
We might wonder about the “increased knowledge,” and whether the Anti-Christ is not a person but—like or as AI—the Anti-Person, with all of us very busy, anesthetized, and distracted by opposable-thumb not-so-smart phones. As in Bruegel’s painting “The Fall of Icarus” when no one even sees the fall (only Icarus’ unnoticed feet still above water, at the lower right).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landscape_with_the_Fall_of_Icarus#/media/File:Icarus_Van_Buuren.jpg
Isnt generational sin referring to the harmful effects of parents’ sins such as narcissistic behavior, abuse of all kinds, vice, betrayal etc which are modeled/proliferated then to/via our children? The effects of our sins take root in our children in harmful ways, which begets more sin, rinse, repeat.
Generational sin has never been explained to me as some kind of demon/curse attached to the actual personal sins of my ancestors. It’s the cycle of sinfulness passed down through generations.
Demons are attracted to sin, so as I understand it, the demon/curse aspect would follow along with the sin aspect. Particularly for sins involving the occult.
Parents committing serious sins is inviting demons into the household, where they are well situated to tempt children. God mitigates the effects, but that doesn’t mean there are none.
I have read a lot about the three days of darkness. Nothing in scripture speaks of these three days. Peter, in his letters, tells us the sun will be darkened and such, but not for how long. Blessed Marie Taggi (sp) did speak of it, but only of the event, and I have not read of a connected reference to generational sin. In all the things I have read on this phenomenon, I have not seen any reference to generational sin.
We had a forty-year delay on the Three Days of Darkness, Second Coming of Jesus, due to popes 40-year delay in releasing the Third Secret of Fatima. The Third Secret of Fatima instructs us on how to defeat Satan and initiate Messianic Reign on earth. Hopefully Holy Apostolic Successors will read the Revelation 10 ‘small scroll’ on April 7, 2027, initiating Messianic Reign and Three Days of Darkness later on April 11,2027, we will celebrate our first Messianic Reign Sunday, in Jesus’ Kingdom Come, on free-willed earth. The reason it is Three Days of Darkness, is because Christ’s Church will go through a death and Resurrection as Jesus did. While Jesus was in His dark grave for three days, He descended into hell, thus we too will be surrounded by demons. The first thing on our new King, Jesus Christ’s agenda, will be to remove the unrepentant wicked from the earth, so the meek, humble and pure of heart will inherit the earth. Jesus will have ‘wiped away our every tear’. This is why you definitely want to receive Jesus’ gifts of Divine Mercy on Divine Mercy Sunday April 4, 2027. It all depends, of course, on whether or not Holy Apostolic Successors read the Revelation ‘small scroll’ on April 7, 2027.
Those trying to defend generation sin or distinguish it from generational curses should know that the International Association of Exorcists rejects both generational sin and generational curses as theological concepts:
https://aleteia.org/2018/12/02/can-we-heal-our-family-tree-and-wipe-out-ancestral-sin/
Jimmy Akin also takes this claim apart very clearly in the first part of this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd1jCQeE1nI
This article just needed proper detail to distinguish the concepts which then would have added clarity. There is a difference between generational sin (which is against Christian doctrine because the notion would mean that descendants can hold responsibility of personal sin of ancestors) vs. generational curses which is the effects of ancestor sin on their descendants. Some of the comments made so far have spoken to this difference correctly but scattered across replies. It would have then been helpful if the original article made this distinction outright. There is something said in the article at the end about the effects passing down and the need to not call that sin. This is correct, and is why it is properly referred to as curse rather than sin. And Mr. Clark is correct that we should of course trust in God’s mercy, but that doesn’t negate the existence of these effects. Thus, the article should have been written more concisely distinguishing the concepts with proper terminology, and perhaps then taking time to look into what is really being said (and by who) rather than just making general statements against an undisclosed group of public Catholics.
Also missing is the so-called healing of the family tree which originated in Evangelicism and is theologically incorrect. This was popular for 10-15 yrs in this century, needs to be pointed out so as to be rooted out of Catholic circles once and for all.
Well said.
So..
The days of darkness during the Plagues of Egypt was a myth ?
Re: Generational Sin. At a conference in my diocese last year, a priest spoke of “generational sin” suggesting that if your grandfather had intercourse with a witch, you will suffer punishment for his actions. I recalled immediately the passage “As he passed by he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, ‘Neither he nor his parents sinned; it is so that the works of God might be made visible through him.”
No one is punished for the sins of another. You may suffer as a result of someone else’s sins – if an arsonist burns down your house you suffer the loss, but not as punishment for the arsonist’s sins.
if the teaching of these Exorcists regarding generational sin is not aligned with Catholic teaching and if Exorcists should not be publicly discussing their ministry, why don’t their Bishops correct them?
Hi , John
The topic:’darkness & light’ is propounded nicely in this article.
These are few explanatory verses about it:
A) What is darkness _:
######
‘ lt is the power of satan.
(Acts 26: 18)
_(Ephesians 6 :12 ) states :’ The ruling, the cosmic powers, the authorities & the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.’
(Ephesians. 2:2) says :Satan is
the prince of the power of the air’.
B) Darkness includes :
!) ‘ Evil works, wicked things.’
( John 3: 19-20)
-Unfruitful works.’ (Ephe. 5 :11 )
!!) (Unrighteousness, lying.
(John 8 : 44 )
(1 John 5:17 ) states :’All unrighteousness is sin’.
(Acts 5 : 3) says:’Satan fills the heart to lie to the Holy Spirit .’
!!!) Sensuality & orgies.’
(1 Peter 4 : 3 )
iv) Luring (James 1 : 14).
v) ‘Desires of the flesh & of the mind.’(Ephesians .2 : 3)
vi) ‘Lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, & the pride of life.’
(1 John 2 : 16)
vii) Lawlessness.'( 1John 3 : 4 )
viii) ‘Having no knowledge neither understanding. ( Psalms. 82 : 5 ) of the light of the gospel of the
glory of Christ.'( 2 Corinth.4 : 4)
ix)’Unequally yoked with unbelievers. ‘(2 Corinth. 6 :14 )
x) ‘Hating of brother.’ (1 John 2 : 8-11)
xi) Cursing father or mother. ( Proverbs. 20 : 20)
xii)’Works of the flesh such as ; fornication, lasciviousness,strife
witchcraft, variance, ,emulations,
wrath, seditions, heresies,
& uncleanness.'(Gal. 5 :19, 20 )
xiii)’Slandering, slaves to much wine.’ ( Titus 2 : 3)
xiv)’ All malice, all deceit,envy &
hypocrisy.’ ( 1 Peter 2 : 1-2 )
xv) ‘ Fights, passions & murder.’
(James 4 :1-17)
xvi) ‘Temptation’ (Mark 1: 13 )
xvii)’ Cowardness, the detestable
faithlessness, sorcerers, idolaters
& the sexually immoral .’
(Revelation 21: 8 )
xviii)’False apostles, deceitful workers-transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.’
( 2 Corinthians 11 : 13 )
xix) Heartless, not loving good, unappeasable, brutal things.’&
withoutself-control
( 2 Timothy 3 : 3 )
xx)’ Care of this world & the deceitfulness of riches. ‘(Matthew.13 : 22)
xxi)’ Filthy dreamers, hard & sensual speeches, murmurs, & complains.’ ( Jude 8,19 )
xxii)’ Friendship with this world, covetousness & adultery. ( James 4 : 4)
xxiii)’ Strife & jealousy.'(James 3: 14) confusion & selfish ambition .’
(James . 3 :16)
And,
xxiv) ‘Divisions’ (1Corinth. 3 : 3)
What is light ?
##########
The light means, the word of God :That is the teaching of Jesus :the commandments.
These are 3 consistent verses _:
1) Psalmist says in (Psalm. 119 :105 ) :’ Your word is a lamp to
my feet & a light to my path.’
2)( Proverbs . 6 : 23 ) states :’The commandment is a lamp & the teaching a light.’
3) ( Psalm .19:8 ) states :’The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the command ment of the Lord is pure,
enlightening the eyes.’
About commandments :Jesus Himself said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments,”
(John 14:15)
Jesus summarized the Ten Commandments into two greatest commands: loving God with all your heart, soul, & mind, &
loving your neighbor as yourself.
(Matthew. 22 : 37,39)
The “three days of darkness” is real. It has just been overhyped. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says that the Church will follow Jesus in His crucifixion, death, and burial. In the same way that Jesus was three days in the earth, the Church will cease to function. The demons will party for three days thinking that they have destroyed the Church. The next day, however, they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in clouds’ with great power… (Mark 13:26) Don’t worry. The “three days of darkness” is a long way off.
I’ve never actually heard it called “generational sin” because that’s not what it is. “Generational sin” seems to me to be a manufactured straw man that is easy to disprove, while “generational spirits” are something else entirely and are what is actually being talked about. Generational spirits most certainly do exist, both outside of Catholic life and within it. A person need not be in the state of sin to be possessed, and possession is not sin. Possession and oppression can be caught from another person, though it is not transmitted the same way a disease, genetic or otherwise, is transmitted.
No John. You cannot “catch” a demon like the flu.