Deconstructing SIN.

There are a more than a few words in our common vocabulary that need careful examination and critique. We have been taught their meaning, accepted their jargon and used them without thinking. But as intelligent, responsible, free-thinkers, this is not the way to conduct business.

Technically, many of the words handed down to us by religious authorities are in reality totally meaningless. Take the word “SIN” for example.

The Collins COBUILD Dictionary for instance, defines the primary usuage of the word as:

2. 1. variable noun
      Sin or a sin is an action or type of behaviour which is believed to break the laws of God.
      The Vatican's teaching on abortion is clear: it is a sin.
      Was it the sin of pride to have believed too much in themselves?

Though precise, the definition is a little obfuscating, though perhaps on the part of the lexicographer not deliberately so.

The concept of “God’s Law” is not enough in itself to carry the word's portent, to have enough weight it requires the additional concept of God’s Absolute Moral Integrity and Virtue. Right has to be RIGHT!

Theodicy, a term coined by Leibnitz but a problem recognised as early as Tertullian, is that the GOODNESS of God has to be assumed, it cannot be demonstrated or proven. In fact all the evidence we have would argue against the wishful thinking of your neighbourly theist.

So what does this mean? When demythologised the concept of “SIN” dissolves in the wash before our eyes. As humans, imperfect we most certainly are, and we may well often err against our better judgment, and as a result deeply regret many of our actions. But this does not make us sinners, or make us wrecks in need saving….