We've reduced sin to a single analogy in our current church settings; that of debt...I want to suggest that first we must consider a biblical understanding of debt (Leviticus 25) and its forgiveness (Matthew 18.21-35) - and how that affects the way that we treat those indebted to us (Matthew 6.9-15). In addition to a biblical lens for debt - I also want to look at other analogies used within the Text to imagine sin (ie. a burden to be carried - 1 Peter 2.24; Isaiah 43.24b-25).
We would not consider allowing our understanding of G_d to be wrapped up in one analogy - we need multiple (shepherd, father, creator, strong-tower, mother hen, etc...) images in order to begin to piece together who He is! Therefore I assert that when we discuss a topic such as sin that we do not allow ourselves to be duped into thinking we have a full understanding because of a single analogy (most usually that of debt)...
I am looking to use biblical Texts to challenge and expand our current Theology of Sin; I am hoping for healthy/civil/intelligent debate and discussion on this topic...please join me in this discussion - the future hope is that of a book or essay on the topic.
Throwing some random thoughts out there (stuff that popped in my head, didn't necessarily think them over): Sin as selfishness? Sin as ingratitude? Sin as choice?
ReplyDeleteSin as an offense against?
ReplyDeleteOne of the posts I'll be refining and putting up in a day or two (or when I return from Wheaton) is "Sin as the Rejection of G_d's Hospitality"
ReplyDeleteI'd love to hear some thoughts from people (that's you at the moment Josh) about what they perceive this idea to mean...and whether or not it is even a good thought!
I had a conversation with someone recently about sin in the garden... I will post more when I have a chance. It related to sin as a rejection of G_d's hospitality
ReplyDeleteAwesome! My next post is on that exact imagery!
ReplyDeleteRejection of Hospitality: We don't have to exist. It's a gift that we do, so by sinning I definitely see it as a rejection of hospitality. Someone invites you over to their house and feeds you, etc. and you thank them by stealing their silverware...
ReplyDeleteJim Davison at Winebrenner has a powerpoint where he goes through one type of sin each week of Greek class, based on a different original Greek word each time. Would be a valuable resource to track down, as it has been refined over the past 10+ years of teaching, with input from Gary Staats.
ReplyDelete