How did God either spare children who were born out of wedlock the consequences of their parents' sin or help them overcome it?

Answer 1

AnswerTo some, there is an inherent contradiction in God demanding of children born out of wedlock that they wear the consequences of that sin, while at the same time wishing to spare them the consequences. Clearly, if there is a fault in the circumstances of their birth, it is not the fault of the children, and one could expect a loving God to leave it at that. Many believe that to even suggest that children should be held accountable for the supposed sins of their parents is a moral outrage. Nonetheless, down through the ages, Christianity has condemned children for being illegitimate and demanded penance from them. Forgiveness through prayer has been held out, as if this makes Christians more saintly.

To others the death of Jesus means the forgiveness of sins. There is a contradiction even in this, since, if it is true, no child should ever have to suffer the consequences of any sins of their parents. Nevertheless, the death of Jesus as the means to forgiveness seems the most charitable answer available to Christianity.