Original sin: Why this theological concept is misused - but nonetheless valid

The doctrine of original sin is the most misunderstood and misused of Christian teachings, yet it is the backbone of the Christian faith. Most people think that children are born deserving of punishment due to their nature, at some level. The fact of the matter is that original sin is more relevant in adults than in children, meaning children are simply flawed at a level that is excusable. Your own actions towards children are what count.

The Greek root word denoting entitlement in the New Testament, and cross-referencing the Tenth Commandment, is πλεονέκτης (Latin: pleonektés) and refers officially here to parental entitlement, or wanting things from or of children to the point of imposition, leading to offense, which is child abuse. Unofficially, it is any want towards a child. But, don't we all as adults want something from children? At the same token, want from anyone, especially someone as small as a child, is in our very nature, and that is the very definition of original sin. With children, we excuse it. But, when you become a parent, you need to grow up. Stop being an entitled snowflake by being so easily offended by your child's behaviors. They're normal for their age and development, so deal with it.

Every single adult is guilty in relation to children, and is deserving of DEATH and DESTRUCTION merely for existing in relation to children, with parents/adults being obligated to be meek and shamefaced in relation to children, being shut up in the Lord. Parents especially are to esteem their children above all else, putting children first, and parents last, to the point of dutiful and selfless submission to children and their every need, expecting absolutely nothing in return, with children then resting in the safety and security of parents. See Colossians 3:20-21 KJV:

Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

The Greek root word translated "obey" is υπακουο (Latin: hupakouo) and refers to secure, vulnerable rest in the love and grace of parents. Children in biblical times could tell parents anything they wanted, including telling them off if they so wanted, and faced no punishment or reprisal in return. Respect for parents then means restful submission, meaning feeling surrendering safely and securely to the loving arms of parents. Children owed parents nothing in return for their bondservice to them, but nonetheless would almost always take up the example of their parents, liking their parents and seeing parents as a friend, meaning an older, more mature friend to look up to, and see as a role model. That taking on of the parent's example is what is known as full submission to parents. It isn't out of fear, but total awe and affection for parents.

The Greek root word translated "provoke...to anger" is ερεθιζο (Latin: erethizo) and refers to damages or abuse, meaning the slightest of personal offenses perceived by the child, including the slightest of offensive touch or speech perceived by the child, coming from entitlement. This commandment prohibits any striking or punishment of the child whatsoever. Here, the Apostle Paul is lifting up the Law to Greek Christians not in compliance with church ordinance on punishing children. Punishment of a child carried severe penalties, namely the excommunication of entitled, punitive parents from church grounds, which was a fate next to death in the Greco-Roman world, which was hostile to Christians. Punitive parents in the Old Testament were put to death by bloodletting (hanging parents up like poultry). The seven verses in Proverbs that depict the rod of correction are repealed verses, meaning only relevant to the historical context in which it was given, as the verses do not refer to any "biblical spanking" but to a specific form of judicial corporal punishment associated with the death penalty in ancient Israel - the 40 minus 1 lashes with the rod of correction, as a final warning before putting an ADULT son to death, after adequate due process by way of criminal trial. Minor children could not be whipped under Jewish law, as they could not stand trial due to a defense of infancy law. The Early Christian churches of God did not impose capital or corporal punishment as a form of church discipline, and participating in either functions of Roman law was grounds for excommunication. 

Children were seen in ancient Israel and adjoining churches as having a rebellious nature. However, those rebellious traits in children were seen as endearing and adorable, in a mischevious way. Children rebelled by making practical jokes as they got older, making messes, breaking things, and so forth, and parents and other adults laughed along with them. Children were seen as perfect and godly, but in an imperfect way. Parents then lacked parent anger, meaning they would find children funny when they made a mess or destroyed something as a joke. 

The customary law of ancient Israel and adjoining churches does call for Christians to believe in original sin. But, the flawed nature of children is to be pleased and appeased, not kept down or punished, meaning if you didn't want your children eating you up, you kept them happy and pleased, waiting on them head and foot. Children were doted on and loved then not despite their flaws, but because of them, just as God loves His children. Original sin, as a moral issue, was for the child to tackle within themselves once they became old enough to take up their own vocation in terms of religious studies.

The depraved and entitled parents and adults will not inherit the Kingdom of God! Let them burn in the lake of fire and burning sulfur, which is the second death prepared for Satan and his accomplices! Let them descend into the ever-burning Hell of fire and torment, suffering God's Wrath forever and ever! Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!