Catechism for Young Children · Question 36 of 145
What is that sinful nature which we inherit from Adam called?
A.Original sin.
What does this answer mean?
The sinful nature we inherit from Adam is called original sin. 'Original' means it comes from our origin, our beginning. We sin because we have a sinful nature, and the catechism gives that nature a name. The Shorter Catechism uses the same term in question 18.
What can we ask our children?
- What is our sinful nature called?
- From whom do we inherit it?
- What does 'original' mean?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 36 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 36 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 31 to 40
- Copywork for questions 31 to 40
- All Catechism for Young Children printables
Text: Catechism for Young Children: Being an Introduction to the Shorter Catechism, Presbyterian Board of Publication (copyright entered 1840). Public domain (1840).
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.