TnAtheist Asks: What is Sin?
On Sundays, I’ll be doing a Sunday Swap where I ask you, the reader, a question related to religion, morality and belief. I’d like to get as many opinions and answers as I can. Just like Ask TnAtheist questions, feel free to answer Anonymously. So jump in on the comments and let me know what you think.
Sin is just a fancy name for making poor choices and an act that will make upstanding Christians feel holier than thou. Usually I know when I’ve sinned when I’m informed in a condescending voice, that they will pray for me. Most acts considered sinful are based on outdated ideas and can be changed based on how someone feels they’ve been wronged. I’ve found most things that bring pleasure are considered sins. The best part of sinning and not just something wrong or immoral, is I can confess and beg for forgiveness and it is all okay. I’ve been told that a murderer that believes in Jesus and has been forgiven is a better person than I am because I don’t buy into religion. I think Aesop’s Fables taught me the difference between right and wrong than the bible/church threatening damnation for wrong doings.
To me personally, sin, is something that makes you feel guilt in you heart or something that hurts humanity.
But in a “christian” sense, to me, i see it as just an ugly word people, whether it be church, gov, or whoever use to control and humble others into doing what they are told. This idea I find sad, just because someone might be doing something you dont approve of, so what? If they are not hurting anyone then why waste your life being the “fun police”?
Sin is some kind of immoral action(or, thought, for some people). But, the offense is against a god.
So, regarding sin, murder is not bad because people don’t like to be killed. Murder is bad, because a deity says people aren’t supposed to murder. Murder may ALSO be bad for other reasons, but those reasons aren’t relevant to sin.
So, since I’m an atheist, I don’t believe in sin. My morals are connected to people, not gods.
I think the most basic, classical definition of sin is that which brings pleasure without bringing a clear benefit. Those most staunch of religions believe that nearly any pleasure is a sin. If you ask me, the concept of a sin is merely a means of brainwashing the masses into fear of doing what they love, which would, of course, raise their morale and teach them that they are sentient beings capable of independent thought.