Sin and Morality

Sin is the Harming or Breaking of Relationships What is sin? Acting contrary to our conscience Purposely choosing to do wrong Intentionally turning away from God Draw a symbol/image of sin in your NB Which images are most common? Which are appropriate? Which are unusual or not expected?

Sin in Scripture Missing the mark Hardness of heart Hamartia (e.g. when an archer does not hit the bull’s eye) We aim for life with God Since God is love, sin is a failure to love. Hardness of heart Bodily image – “hard-hearted” or “stiff-necked” In biblical terms, heart means your whole being (our attitudes, behavior, and actions)

Sin in Christian Tradition If we lose our sense of sin, we eliminate accountability for our decisions. Without a sense of sin any choices that we make are valueless. The essential message about sin is that… … Christ conquered sin through his death and resurrection.

Distinguishing Among Sins Original sin – the human inclination toward evil; we are constantly in a battle between good and evil Confession before whole community – early Church Private confession – Irish monks in 600s

Distinguishing Among Sins Mortal sin – complete rejection of God Venial sin – action that turns us away from God in small degrees Sin of commission – doing something wrong Sin of omission – not doing an action that is called for What are some examples of each???

A Gospel-based Perspective on Sin Sin is a breaking down of relationships, rather than the breaking of a law Stress on doing the positive Focus on overall life patterns as well as individual act Sin is against God and our neighbors Sin has a social dimension

Social Sin the sin that exists within a society Sinful social structures – ways societies are structured resulting in unjust distribution of power, benefits, and privileges Examples: racism, sexism, classism, ageism Complete “Activity O” on p. 115 (10 pts)