What Is Sin?
Sin is fundamentally a relational and theological concept. Sin is not merely breaking moral or divine laws but is deeply connected to broken relationships—between humans and God, among humans, and with creation. Here are some key aspects:
1. Alienation from God: Influenced by Karl Barth, we see sin as a state of being alienated from God, who is the source of life and freedom. This alienation manifests as an attempt by humans to live autonomously, rejecting dependence on God.
2. Disruption of Relationships: Sin disrupts the relationships between people, between humanity and creation, and within human communities. This relational breakdown is central to the human predicament, contributing to structures of oppression, injustice, and ecological destruction.
3. Sin as Godlessness: We may describe sin as “godlessness” (the absence or rejection of God) or “godforsakenness” (experiencing separation from God). The cross of Christ addresses this condition because Jesus, in his cry of abandonment (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”), enters fully into the human experience of godlessness to redeem it.
4. Structural and Collective Sin: Sin is not only personal but also structural. Systems of power, exploitation, and domination perpetuate sin on a societal and global scale. Capitalism, militarism, and ecological harm are collective manifestations of sin.
5. Hope and Redemption: Sin is linked to a lack of hope, seeing despair as a manifestation of sin’s power. However, the resurrection of Christ opens up a horizon of hope, breaking the grip of sin and death.
1. Alienation from God: Influenced by Karl Barth, we see sin as a state of being alienated from God, who is the source of life and freedom. This alienation manifests as an attempt by humans to live autonomously, rejecting dependence on God.
2. Disruption of Relationships: Sin disrupts the relationships between people, between humanity and creation, and within human communities. This relational breakdown is central to the human predicament, contributing to structures of oppression, injustice, and ecological destruction.
3. Sin as Godlessness: We may describe sin as “godlessness” (the absence or rejection of God) or “godforsakenness” (experiencing separation from God). The cross of Christ addresses this condition because Jesus, in his cry of abandonment (“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”), enters fully into the human experience of godlessness to redeem it.
4. Structural and Collective Sin: Sin is not only personal but also structural. Systems of power, exploitation, and domination perpetuate sin on a societal and global scale. Capitalism, militarism, and ecological harm are collective manifestations of sin.
5. Hope and Redemption: Sin is linked to a lack of hope, seeing despair as a manifestation of sin’s power. However, the resurrection of Christ opens up a horizon of hope, breaking the grip of sin and death.
