It is often the case that in theology one question will give rise to a hundred. Earlier, we reflected on whether God would have still become incarnate even if man had not fallen. At the end of that brief reflection, I stated that as a result of the Incarnation, man has been exalted to a greater level that than of Adam, as God truly came to unite Himself with His creation. Now, it is pertinent that we consider what actually was the state of Adam before he transgressed the law of God? To proceed any further, we must not fail to give sufficient attention to this important issue.
With St. Irenaeus, Tertullian and Origen (among others), I like to make a distinction between 'image' and 'likeness'.
My theory on this - still yet untested but I will present it for consideration- is that man was not created in a completely perfect state. He was created good and endowed greatly, yet lacked the love of God that is perfected in trial. He had a sharp intellect, his soul ruled over his body, and he experienced an intimate relationship with his God. I would not go as far as St. Irenaeus to say that the Fall was not caused by malice, but by immaturity, whereby man sinned as a result of not knowing fully his purpose. I assert that the sin of Adam was complete madness, and our first parents cannot be excused on grounds on concupiscence (which they did not possess) or a previous affection for sin. They only knew the good and they had no reason to deny the veracity of their Maker's word.
In order to study this matter with greater clarity, we will turn to the Angelic Doctor and set out simply what he states concerning the condition of Adam before the Fall. My next few meditations will come solely from the saint as I do not have enough wisdom or knowledge to dwell on a time so far gone.
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