What is Sin?

[OldChurchGuy]

Your interpretations of the language here actually makes a lot of sense, I have to say. I wonder if it's helping to clear up some of OldChurchGuy's misgivings about this passage?

Oh the problems one has when one does not keep up with these posts!

Yes, for me the explanation makes sense. Thanks.

OldChurchGuy

 

[mushowani]

Sorry to bump in back after a long time. I believe sin is not something we do but it is something we inherited in our blood (from Adam of course). The wrongs we do are termed as tresspasses. If you check out the model prayer, you would realise that Jesus taught that we should ask God to forgive us of our trespasses not sins. Sin is the root from which death emanates as in Romans 6v23. Trespasses are the things we do wrongly every time we go astray. That is why the Bible says that "for all 've sinned and fall short of the glory of God" there are no exceptions in this case nomatter how good one may be. .therefore sin is natural to mankind through adam and it causes us to will against the father and to trespass

 

[HolyGuardianAngels]

Firstly, I want to check my understanding of the Christian definition of sin... I'm under the impression that it's something like, "transgression against God," and that it has nothing to do with whether or not an act is harmful to another human being. (This is based on the observation that God has often done things, or required others to do things, that hurt people, but are righteous in his eyes.) I'm also under the impression that sin somehow exists independently of individuals' actions, if an infant could be said to be sinful before it is old enough to really do anything yet. (But feel free to expand on this paragraph if need be.)

Anyway, here's what I'm wondering: what really is the nature of sin? How does it work? Is it supposed to be tangible in some form, or is it meant to be taken as a metaphor? Is there any way that we as mortal beings can detect its existence or negation? In particular, I'm wondering about sin both in the sense of "original sin" and in the phrase, "Jesus died for our sins" -- if someone could explain how sin operates in both of these contexts, I'd appreciate it.

Sorry for the number of questions, but since they're all centered around the same basic topic I'm hoping it won't be a problem. Thanks in advance for your responses.

First off, GOD made human beings. We belong to Him. We are His property!

God has asked us NOT to do some things . . . The things that He has asked us not to do, IF we do them, results in sin.

When EVE sinned in the Garden of Eden . . . She caused every human being, when born, to inherit this ORIGINAL sin . . .


So, even though just a baby, this original sin follows us until it is washed away . . .


Some sins are venial, meaning, we did not plan to do them etc


Some sins are mortal, meaning we plotted and planned to sin. etc.



Every human has sinned, except; of course, for Jesus and the Blessed Virgin.

Some people couldn't-care-less. They "double dare" God to send them to Hell. They plot, plan and scheme to entrap others into their sins and they have NO remorse, repentance or sorrow in their heart/soul for the actions they are doing. They desire to CAUSE others to sin.


Every sin we commit is harmful to someone else, in that it is a sin. Study the sin of EVE.
See how it hurts every one until "Judgement Day"!!


I hope this has been helpful to you.

WE must strive NOT to sin. ~Believe me, it is far EASIER to sin, than not to; however, sin will keep us out of Heaven and separate us from God.




Happy Easter

 

[KCDAD]

This misuse of the idiom "inherit" is stupefying. There is no genetic or biological predisposition to sin. Otherwise Jesus was a fool to say to people "go and sin no more". It also makes "forgiveness" some kind of genetic mutating action that changes are biological and genetic sin nature. That's nonsense.

 

[SandRose]

Thanks for the additional replies. (In case anyone's wondering, I've still been watching this thread and am still interested in people's various perspectives on this topic, even though I may not have posted in a while.)

This misuse of the idiom "inherit" is stupefying. There is no genetic or biological predisposition to sin. Otherwise Jesus was a fool to say to people "go and sin no more". It also makes "forgiveness" some kind of genetic mutating action that changes are biological and genetic sin nature. That's nonsense.

I'm wondering if you could elaborate on this -- are you saying that there is no original sin, or are you just commenting on the validity of using a particular word to describe it?

 

[ebia]

Thanks for the additional replies. (In case anyone's wondering, I've still been watching this thread and am still interested in people's various perspectives on this topic, even though I may not have posted in a while.)



I'm wondering if you could elaborate on this -- are you saying that there is no original sin, or are you just commenting on the validity of using a particular word to describe it?

I'm not answering for KCDAD but it should be noted that the concept of 'original sin' is very much a product of St Augustine and the western church.

God has asked us NOT to do some things . . . The things that He has asked us not to do, IF we do them, results in sin.

At the risk of getting my wrists slapped I have to say that this is about as incorrect a view of what sin is as it is possible to get, IMO.

 

[KCDAD]

Thanks for the additional replies. (In case anyone's wondering, I've still been watching this thread and am still interested in people's various perspectives on this topic, even though I may not have posted in a while.)



I'm wondering if you could elaborate on this -- are you saying that there is no original sin, or are you just commenting on the validity of using a particular word to describe it?

If you want to understand "sin" as selfishness and self centeredness, then yes, I believe in original sin; we are all born as totally self natured. That is why I believe Jesus said we need to deny ourself and Paul said to die to self. (It also makes "Love your neighbor as yourself" take on new meaning.)

 

[ApollotheLizard]

Sin is any act of wrongdoing or any act against God and all things Divine. Sin only exsits because of Satan, so it is not God's fault we sin. Sin can be forgiven by God, any sin at all, from lieing to blasphemy. Jesus, as He was being nailed to the corss, even forgave His killers.

 

[KCDAD]

Sin is any act of wrongdoing or any act against God and all things Divine. Sin only exsits because of Satan, so it is not God's fault we sin. Sin can be forgiven by God, any sin at all, from lieing to blasphemy. Jesus, as He was being nailed to the corss, even forgave His killers.

Look. It is really very simple.

Is it a sin to steal food to feed a starving child?
Is it a sin to steal food in order to trade it for alcohol?

Is it a sin to give money to the poor and needy... if you do it to get the publicity and tax write offs?

Sin is not a behavior or an action. It is the heart of the matter... selfishness and self centeredness.