Baltimore Catechism No. 2 – Lesson Fifth on Our First Parents and the Fall

Q39: Who were the first man and woman?

A39: The first man and woman were Adam and Eve.

Q40: Were Adam and Eve innocent and holy when they came from the hand of God?

A40: Adam and Eve were innocent and holy when they came from the hand of God.

Q41: Did God give any command to Adam and Eve?

A41: To try their obedience God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat of a certain fruit which grew in the garden of Paradise.

Q42: Which were the chief blessings intended for Adam and Eve had they remained faithful to God?

A42: The chief blessings intended for Adam and Eve, had they remained faithful to God, were a constant state of happiness in this life and everlasting glory in the next.

Q43: Did Adam and Eve remain faithful to God?

A43: Adam and Eve did not remain faithful to God; but broke His command by eating the forbidden fruit.

Q44: What befell Adam and Eve on account of their sin?

A44: Adam and Eve, on account of their sin, lost innocence and holiness, and were doomed to sickness and death.

Q45: What evil befell us on account of the disobedience of our first parents?

A45: On account of the disobedience of our first parents, we all share in their sin and punishment, as we should have shared in their happiness if they had remained faithful.

Q46: What other effects followed from the sin of our first parents?

A46: Our nature was corrupted by the sin of our first parents, which darkened our understanding, weakened our will, and left in us a strong inclination to evil.

Q47: What is the sin called which we inherit from our first parents?

A47: The sin which we inherit from our first parents is called original sin.

Q48: Why is this sin called original?

A48: This sin is called original because it comes down to us from our first parents, and we are brought into the world with its guilt on our soul.

Q49: Does this corruption of our nature remain in us after original sin is forgiven?

A49: This corruption of our nature and other punishments remain in us after original sin is forgiven.

Q50: Was any one ever preserved from original sin?

A50: The Blessed Virgin Mary, through the merits of her Divine Son, was preserved free from the guilt of original sin, and this privilege is called her Immaculate Conception.