I think that's a reasonable response to the phrase taken at face value, but...

It's been pointed out to me that this is probably an observation of how the world is rather than a commandment for how it should be. (Despite the phrasing in English.)

(I probably agree with you about Christianity being a pretty odd system of ethics overall, but this bit is probably just some obvious wisdom packaged a bit strangely.)

I think you will find that comes from the Torah, Jewish wisdom. Personally I think if that were still true Christ died for nothing.

> I think you will find that comes from the Torah, Jewish wisdom.

Thanks for the correction.

> Personally I think if that were still true Christ died for nothing.

I'm suggesting it's just a rather obvious statement of inheritance of circumstance and reputation.

Of course if whoever wrote it really thought that people deserve to be punished for their ancestors' mistakes then they can fuck off.

But I do think it's what happens in practice.

Sorry, not meant to be a correction. It is in the old testament. I was just pointing out that it properly belongs to the Jews.

But it says "I am a vengeful god, therefore", so it suggests that it's divine "policy", not just a statement of how the world works.