Who says the Bible is holy?
84% of U.S. adults
90% of women
78% of men
96% of Black Americans
83% of White and Hispanic Americans
54% of Asian Americans
90% of those over 4o years old
77% of those under 40
67% of those 18-23
38% of those who identify themselves as 'non-Christian'
I saw a comic the other day asking if the BIG TEN (10 Commandments) needed a make-over. It was funny, and yet, not. It seems that a lot of the things we formerly called 'sin' have fallen off the wagon today. Some theologians fear the concept of personal sin is almost lost.
A Reno, Nevada resident described sin this way: "SIN IS LIKE BRINGING CHEAP WINE TO A PARTY." Hmmmmm.
When Pope Benedict XVI said recently that in the contemporary world, "the notion of sin" is in jeopardy, he got "AMENS" from Protestant pastors as well. We still preach about sin today - we'll never stop - but it requires some extra explanation today - not because we don't believe in it - not because we want it watered down - far from it - but because the word "SIN" is essentially obsolete today. Tim Keller, who pastors a church in Manhattan, said 'sin' needs to be re-branded. Not re-DEFINED, mind you - but re-BRANDED.
For instance - a survey by Ellison Research shows that 87% of U.S. adults still acknowledge the concept of sin, but what is 'almost always wrong' is changing annually:
Cheating on your spouse? It's WRONG, but only 81% call it a sin.
Sex before marriage? It's WRONG, but 45% think it's NOT so wrong.
Racism? It's WRONG, but 26% don't agree that it is.
Gambling? It's WRONG, but 30% don't think it is wrong one bit.
In his Manhattan setting, Tim Keller says, 'Around here sin means self-centeredness. Sin is the one who lives for himself - for his own glory and happiness - someone who tears at the net of the fabric of humanity.' Nothing MORE - nothing LESS.
So you see then - "SIN" - as a list of tablet items and acts offensive to God is difficult to sell today. Sin will still send you to hell, but that makes it even MORE important that we help them see it, understand it, and embrace the change God wants for them. But it won't/can't be done the way we've always done it.
Think about it.
And be blessed.
3 comments:
Are all sins equal? Is impatience just as big a sin as adultery? Does unconfessed sin hinder our prayers?
Anonymous:
That question can't be answered the way you want it to be - not with a simple 'yes' or 'no.'
All sin is 'separation from God.' That in itself should be enough for us all - to want us to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength and shun sin with everything within us.
That said, not all sin has equal repercussions. The outcome and outflow of, say, ADULTERY - has far more serious and long lasting repercussions than IMPATIENCE. Guilt levels are different - addictive behavior potential is different. And on and on.
Certainly unconfessed sin hinders our prayers. The Bible seems clear on that.
But how does GOD see sin? We'll have to ask Him when we see Him. Until then, I'd strive for a pure and clean life - and when I fall - I would rush to the altar of forgiveness - no matter how 'small' the sin.
Thank you...I have had different people tell me that some sins are worse than others and others say that sin is sin. I can understand that all sin is separation from God. I want to live in such a way that God will be pleased with me. It seems my behavior and actions are so much easier to control than my emotions. Sometimes, my old nature rears it's head and I do feel impatient.
A friend of mine said that each time we pray we should first search our hearts for any sins we have committed and confess, and then God will hear our prayers. My hope is that God will walk with me and give me the strength to be what He wants me to be.
I once heard the analogy that when a child is learning to walk the parent doesn't get angry when he falls, but picks him up and holds his hand. So it is with our Father. He is there to help us and love us. I find that reassuring.
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