Monday 5 March 2018

Have you ever had the experience where you think something is a good idea and then when you begin you ask "Why did I ever think of that?"  That was my experience as we started our four Sunday examination of "churchy" words.  On this first week we considered the concept of sin.  Thanks to David and Donna who initiated the reflection by sharing their ideas.  Although many people outside and inside the church think sin is no longer a relevant term, I found myself defending the concept as important.  There has been way too much "blaming" people for transgressing major and minor commandments.  Those who do the "blaming" are often no more morally righteous than anyone else (I'm reminded of Jesus' instruction to take the log out of one's own eye before criticizing the speck in the eye of someone else).  For me, the concept of sin invites us into self-reflection NOT self-blame and certainly not blaming someone else.  I concluded that my understanding of sin is:  "relentless self-interest to the exclusion of others."  It is this relentless self-interest that I must continue to wrestle with in my own life, especially in light of my desire to respond to God's invitation to love neighbour.  At the end of the sermon I worried that I may have left people in a self-blaming place and if that happened I apologize.  My intention is to encourage reflection upon the disparities between where we want to be as followers of Jesus and where relentless self-interest often takes us.  I would appreciate hearing your responses to my thoughts.  It's a tough topic and is best addressed with shared wisdom.  I look forward to hearing from you.

4 comments:

  1. Hey Brian. Worry-pas! I didn't get into a place of self-blame after listening to the wisdom shared on Sunday :o) - although, it is easy to do. I really appreciate your definition of sin. Relentless self interest lies at the root of many ills - those that are conscious and unconscious. For me, it means that we are always faced with conflicting forces within ourselves and it brings me back to the idea that salvation lies in the concept of balance. My initial thoughts for today :o)) Bette Brazier

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  2. I was thinking that "sin" was a pretty old-fashioned idea but your definition really resonates with me. However, self-sufficiency and relentless self interest don't equate to me. I'm reminded of the pre-flight safety instructions -- put your oxygen mask on first then help others. If a person doesn't look after themselves -- to the best of their ability -- they cannot possibly look after others in a sustained way.

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  3. Hey Don and Bette - thanks for keeping the conversation going. I do think that as human creatures we need to be aware of our somewhat innate drive towards self-preservation and how that can so easily extend itself into a relentless self-interest. It is not so much about self-blame as an ongoing awareness of the work I need to put into looking beyond myself. As Maslow suggested we do need to meet some pretty basic needs for ourselves before we can move to 'higher level' thoughts that lead to altruism/love. So - I won't be giving away my retirement fund; however; I must remain vigilant to the ways that I might share this fund for the greater good. Really great to have these blog comments - thanks!

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  4. You may be regretting it, but I appreciate these "churchy word" sermons. They make me think, and evaluate and re-evaluate my thoughts on these topics. Thanks!

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