Jeremy,
I think Corey's assessment is correct.

You may not agree with it, but Orthodoxy does not believe our human nature was changed. (Please review classic Christian thought on "essence"- that's what "nature" is about in the East.) Dealt a severe blow, yes- and Jewish thought does reflect that. And God set about healing that wound. If our human nature were entirely changed, how could the Second Person of the Trinity, God the Word, have been able to assume it?

The Eastern Church does in fact deny Augustinian "Original Sin"- so I guess a large chunk of Christianity is not "orthodox"... As I've been trying to get across to you, there is ***nothing recognizably congruent*** between the Eastern view and the Western view on this issue. It's a huge, huge difference. Orthodoxy believes that God is good and does not change because of the sin of Adam, or anything else, and does not need to punish anyone; if that were so, then there is something in a sense "bigger" than God, to which God is "beholden". If you want to know the truth, the main reason I was attracted to Orthodoxy was its radically different view on this very issue.

I think most people simply cannot imagine a God this good.

I commend N.T. Wright's work to you, especially "Jesus and the Victory of God", wherein Wright deals in depth with the "heart" issue.

Heidi, I am so sorry for your loss. I will not speculate on the cause, but I do know it was not God's will and God continues to surround those involved with his love and care. The child is safe with Jesus, awaiting the Resurrection.

Dana