My Thoughts on Sin
Sin and understanding the concept of sin is tough. The Bible states that none of us are good. But many of us forget that God originally created us as good and we are made in His image. Sin came in to the world when humanity learnt about good and evil and I believe that it means that as humans we get to choose how we act and behave.
Humans have a huge capacity to do good. We also have the capacity to do real evil. As Pa Kent said in Superman it’s our actions that make us who we are.
The other aspect of sin people seem to forget is our relationship with God. Sin is about humans wanting to be their own gods in a way, and not choosing God. Which again is a choice. Not choosing God is sinful as per Christian orthodoxy. But, I believe, that doesn’t make a person inherently evil. God is gracious and allows people their own choices. Choices have consequences, evidently. But, it’s still our choice.
The idea of being born inherently evil seems to stem from the belief in Original Sin which is not actually believed by every Christian. This idea that we all inherited the guilt of Adam’s sin, and sure there’s a case for reading that into the biblical text, but I don’t think it was meant to be literal. (And yes, having been raised in a Presbyterian Church, I learned that belief. But I don’t think I thought about it too much.)
I do believe that we live in a Fallen, broken world, and I do believe that sin is a real thing. But, I don’t think humanity is intrinsically evil. We were made in God’s Image, but due to the Fall, we live in a world where evil exists and we have the agency to choose what our actions will be and how they will impact others. And yes, I do believe there are some people who are truly evil. But that’s a choice they make. And not something inherent in them.
I know also there are passages that say that our hearts are inclined toward evil etc, but again that doesn’t explicitly label us as evil, just that our minds are selfish (in ancient texts heart equates to mind) and lean toward self-serving thoughts. The fact is biologically every one of us is born selfish. But that’s a survival instinct. We all want to survive and selfishness ensures that goal.
I know that these thoughts I’m laying out may make some Christians claim that I’m watering down sin and thus weakening the need for Jesus. But, as I said, I believe sin is real. I believe evil is real. And we are in need of a Saviour. After all, even “good” people need rescuing too. But these are just some thoughts I’ve had since seeing the discourse about Dobson (parenting advisor back in the day who believed all children were born sinful/evil).
Take it or leave it.
Marly's World 