Sin
Seven Sins by Hartwig HKD
(1) Sin is an ancient Mesopotamian moon god, also called Nanna. His cult was most prominent at the Sumerian cities of Ur and Harran. Bestowing light in the dark, Sin maintained justice through the night hours.
(2) In Catholic theology sin is any thought, speech or action that results in a transgression against the law of God, where one chooses to enact one’s personal will in conflict with God’s.
St. Augustine is often quoted by Catholic writers when trying to explain sin:
Something said, done or desired that is contrary to the eternal law.¹
The Catholic Church further breaks the idea of sin up into several categories, the most important being original sin, venial sin and mortal sin.
The general concept of sin is widespread but treated differently among world religions–e.g. transgressing God’s decrees (Judaism, Islam), acting against the cosmic order or Will of Heaven (Taoism), or harmful action arising from ignorance (Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism).
Contemporary thinking people believing in God and the importance of acting ethically are faced with a dizzying array of prescriptions on how to do the right thing and not sin. When all is said and done, it seems the most sensible approach to living right and avoiding sin is to follow one’s own lived experience and reflections upon it.
Many, however, seem unable to act as mature adults and prefer to allow some perceived authority, distant or near, to guide them on how to best live the life God gave them.
This arguably schoolboy and schoolgirl approach to ethics may afford psychological comfort (through a ready-made personal identity and sense of community) for those unable or unwilling to embrace the degree of freedom and responsibility involved in making up one’s own mind. But in the long run it seems immature and, indeed, unworthy of our potential as human beings created by and forever journeying toward God.²
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¹ St. Augustine, Con. Faust 22.27 cited in Catholic Bible Dictionary, ed. Scott Hahn, 2009, p. 850.
² See comments on this complex issue.
» Adam, Calvinism, Contemplation, Donatism, Eden, Fasting, Felix culpa, Jainism, Jesus Christ, Madonna, Milton (John), Virgin Mary
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Posted on January 20, 2010, in S and tagged ethics, evil, humanity, myth, religion, sin. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
I enjoy many of these posts …thanks
I wonder though, if “one’s own lived experience and reflections upon it” happen to be based on some “perceived authority, distant or near” …does that not of itself provide justification? That is, wouldn’t it also be considered a sensible approach if a person experiences a full and lived life even though they’ve conceded to some perceived authority during that life?
I’d suggest that submitting to some perceived authority needn’t necessarily be a sign of immaturity, and that a life full of experience and reflection can be had in many different ways.
Thanks Troy. You’re right. It’s my exposition that could be improved. I guess I was implying that some immature people don’t see through a perceived authority that isn’t, in fact, in line with God’s will.
If, however, the perceived authority is genuine, then yeah, no probs. Adult.
I guess this brings in the whole issue of discernment.
And there’s another wrinkle. The Catholic nun, Sister Faustina Kowalska, wrote that “holy obedience” (to her superiors who were sometimes crabby and petty) was of utmost importance. I respect Faustina very much and believe she was a real saint.
But that kind of approach might not be for everyone. As you say… “a life full of experience and reflection can be had in many different ways.” Point taken. I’ll have to revise this entry asap.