Definition

Noun: - A theological doctrine: The Calvinist Christian doctrine asserting that every human being is born in a state of complete moral corruption and spiritual inability due to the effects of original sin. It holds that sin affects all aspects of a person's nature.

Usage

This term is used primarily in theological discussions, particularly within Reformed (Calvinist) Christianity, to describe the extent of human sinfulness. - The sermon focused on the concept of total depravity and its implications for understanding human nature. - Debates about total depravity often center on the degree of human free will after the Fall.

Advanced Usage

• As a doctrinal point: It is often the first point in the Calvinist acronym TULIP, which summarizes the doctrines of grace.
  • In his theology class, he explained that the 'T' in TULIP stands for total depravity.

Variants and Related Words

• Depravity (noun): The state of being morally corrupt or wicked. (Note: This is the root concept without the specific Calvinist doctrinal qualifier "total").
• Total (adjective): Complete; absolute.

Synonyms

• Radical corruption: A near-synonymous phrase sometimes used in theological contexts.
• Complete sinfulness: A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases

• Original sin: The Christian doctrine of the state of sin in which humanity has existed since the fall of Adam, which is the foundational concept for total depravity.
• Human corruption: A general phrase describing the morally flawed state of humankind.

Noun

1. the Calvinist doctrine that everyone is born in a state of corruption as a result of original sin