Sin Sick

 

Religion is a lightning rod topic in most circles I run in, and the notion of "sin" is even more loaded. And I get it. How one religion defines "sin" establishes a category of behaviors that believers say can condemn you to hell, and for many that feels judgmental, narrow-minded, and mean-spirited. As a result, it's a topic most people want nothing to do with.

Which is unfortunate. Leave aside whether this is truly a matter of eternal significance, and consider other aspects of "sin" that do not have to do with relationship with the divine. I believe "sin" also entails relationship with oneself and relationship with others. And I also believe that, while we may differ in exactly what is and is not a sin, there are likely some pretty basic ones that no one would dispute. So by throwing out the whole topic, we're missing out on a pretty huge part of healthy human existence, which is how do we deal with conflict between people and conflict within ourselves.

People have many problems with the Christian faith I adhere to, and I respect that. I do think that the intra-personal and inter-personal aspects of how we address sin are helpful for me and potentially for others, and I regret that there is not enough exploration of how to deal with sin on these dimensions. Again, sticking just with the obvious misdeeds that most of us would agree are bad, the notion of acknowledging to ourselves that we've done wrong, acknowledging to others that we have wronged them, seeking forgiveness, receiving forgiveness, and committing to do better in the future are all healthy and constructive actions to take, which all too often are not even considered let alone executed. This is a missed opportunity for healing, across people and within ourselves. For example, I am glad to hear there is more of this incorporated into criminal justice interventions. Unacknowledged sin, failure to ask for forgiveness, unwillingness to extend or receive forgiveness, stubbornness about changing our ways...these are all unhealthy and destructive things that we should care deeply about avoiding. If we lack the frameworks and words to do so, we are more likely to remain hurt and to hurt others.

The next time you hear "sin" and recoil, I understand there are aspects of that concept that you may find hurtful and ignorant. I hope you will consider other aspects that may be internally and externally restorative.