Original Blessing: Recognizing Our Sacred Worth
For many of us, particularly those raised in Christian traditions, the concept of original sin has deeply influenced how we understand ourselves and our relationship with the divine. We were often taught that humans are born inherently flawed because of the sin of Adam and Eve—a narrative that has shaped countless religious teachings. For LGBTQIA+ individuals, this theology can be especially harmful, as it compounds the sense of separation and shame many already experience from their identities being marginalized or rejected.
But what if this isn’t the whole story? What if there is another way to understand our relationship with the divine that doesn’t begin with sin, but with blessing?
The idea of original blessing, a concept championed by theologian Matthew Fox, invites us to consider a radically different perspective on humanity. Rather than starting from a place of sin and separation, original blessing affirms that we—and all of creation—are born in a state of goodness, dignity, and love. This shift in focus can have profound implications for anyone, especially those who have been marginalized or made to feel like outsiders in their religious communities.
What is Original Blessing?
The theology of original blessing challenges the long-standing notion that the defining characteristic of humanity is sinfulness. Instead, it begins with the idea that creation is inherently good. This belief is rooted in the opening chapters of Genesis, where after each act of creation, God declares it “good.” When humanity is created, God goes further, pronouncing it “very good” (Genesis 1:31 NRSVue ). In this narrative, there is no inherent flaw in human beings. Instead, we are born with inherent goodness and dignity.
Matthew Fox, a former Catholic priest and leading voice in creation spirituality, has been a strong advocate for this theology. His work invites us to see humanity not as inherently sinful, but as inherently blessed. Original blessing is not about denying that people make mistakes or that harm can occur in the world—it’s about recognizing that at our core, we are all sacred, worthy, and whole.
Sin as Missing the Mark
While the concept of original blessing is powerful, it’s important to briefly address the idea of sin, as it is often contrasted with this theology. Many of us were taught that sin is a deeply moral failing—an action or even a state of being that separates us from God. This view has often led to harsh judgments, both of ourselves and others, and it has been used to shame and control people, especially within certain religious traditions.
But if we look at the original meaning of the word “sin,” we find a more nuanced and less moralistic definition. The English term comes from an archery term meaning to “miss the mark.” In this sense, sin is not about being inherently flawed, but about falling short of our true identity—it’s about not quite hitting the target. And in life, we all “miss the mark” sometimes. We make mistakes, we learn, we grow. Rather than viewing these moments as evidence of our unworthiness, we can see them as part of the natural process of becoming.
By redefining sin in this way, we remove the heavy moral baggage that has been placed on the concept. Yes, we miss the mark, but this doesn’t mean we are fundamentally broken. It simply means we are on a journey of learning and growth.
The Harm of Original Sin in LGBTQIA+ Communities
For LGBTQIA+ individuals, the doctrine of original sin has often been particularly damaging. Many of us grew up in religious environments that not only emphasized our supposed sinfulness but also framed our very identities as sinful. This teaching can create a deep sense of shame and self-rejection, as we are made to believe that something essential about who we are is inherently wrong.
The impact of this teaching cannot be overstated. It has led many LGBTQIA+ individuals to internalize feelings of unworthiness, to experience alienation from their faith communities, and even to face spiritual and emotional abuse. In some cases, it has led to attempts to “fix” or “change” one’s identity through harmful practices like conversion therapy, which has been widely discredited and condemned by medical professionals and religious leaders alike.
But original blessing offers a different narrative—one that affirms our inherent goodness and dignity. In this framework, our queerness is not a mistake or a flaw. It is part of the rich diversity of creation, part of the divine image that we all bear. We are not outside of God’s love or grace; we are expressions of it.
Original Blessing as an Affirmation of LGBTQIA+ Identity
The theology of original blessing holds profound implications for LGBTQIA+ individuals. In a world that often tells us we are not enough or that we need to be “fixed,” original blessing reminds us that we are already whole, already loved, already blessed.
Matthew Fox’s work on original blessing speaks directly to this. He writes about original goodness and original dignity—terms that emphasize the deep truth that all people, regardless of who they are or who they love, are born with an inherent connection to the divine. Our identities are not burdens to be overcome, but blessings to be celebrated.
For those of us who grew up in environments that emphasized original sin, embracing original blessing can be a powerful act of reclamation. It allows us to move beyond the narratives of shame and sin that have been imposed on us and to embrace the truth of our sacred worth. This shift can be deeply healing, as we learn to see ourselves not as flawed, but as beloved and blessed.
The Power of Original Blessing for All
While original blessing has particular resonance for LGBTQIA+ individuals, its message is universal. This theology speaks to the inherent goodness of all people and the sacredness of all creation. It invites us to live from a place of compassion and connection, rather than fear and separation.
At its core, original blessing is about recognizing that we are all part of something larger than ourselves—something beautiful, sacred, and good. It reminds us that, even in our struggles and our failures, we are held by a loving and compassionate divine presence. We are not defined by our mistakes, but by our capacity for growth, healing, and love.
This theology also invites us to see the world through a lens of gratitude and reverence. If all of creation is blessed, then we are called to care for it, to protect it, and to honor the sacredness of every living being. This is a message that resonates deeply in a world that often seems fractured and divided. Original blessing calls us to see the divine in all things and to live in harmony with the world around us.
“We all share beauty. It strikes us indiscriminately. . . . There is no end to beauty for the person who is aware. Even the cracks between the sidewalk contain geometric patterns of amazing beauty. If we take pictures of them and blow up the photographs, we realize we walk on beauty every day, even when things seem ugly around us.”
– Matthew Fox, from his book “Creation Spirituality: Liberating Gifts for the People of the Earth“
Joining the Conversation at Folx with Faith
At Folx with Faith, we believe that exploring theological ideas like original blessing is essential for our spiritual growth, particularly for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community. Our experiences, identities, and journeys are all part of the rich tapestry of creation, and we deserve spaces where we can engage with these ideas in ways that honor our sacred worth.
Folx with Faith groups offer a unique opportunity to explore your spirituality in a safe, affirming, and queer-centric environment. Whether you’re familiar with the theology of original blessing or new to the concept, we welcome you to join the conversation. Together, we can reclaim our sacredness, celebrate our inherent dignity, and support one another on this sacred journey of learning and growth.
Our groups provide space for deep conversations about theology, spirituality, and what it means to live as expressions of divine love. We invite you to be a part of this community, where you can find support, connection, and a place to explore the rich diversity of human experience.
Additional Resources for Original Blessing: Recognizing Our Sacred Worth
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James Masters (he/him) is based out of Unity of Springfield, where he supports the community through community service and technology. He is a contributing author for the bestselling anthologies, The Courageous Heart, Enduring Wisdom, & The Grateful Soul.
He is a personal coach focusing on spiritual and relational development. He is also deeply passionate about providing shelter, food, and clothing to the vulnerable population within our local community.
His knowledge of technology and compassion for others is a significant contribution to our community.
