The Whole Sin Catalog Pssst, Hey!, Wanna See Some Sin?
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up your voice like a trumpet and show my people their transgressions and . . . their sins." Isa. 58:1
Man's Definitions of Sin:
If anyone could define sin, it should be those who are in the business of religion. Can they? Do they?
Catholic
The Catholic Encyclopedia defines sin using approximately 11,220 words. The Catholics accomplish this by categorizing, classifying and subdividing sins by seriousness, cause, results, motive, object, circumstances, attitude, beliefs, the degree of enjoyment, desire, related actions, the desirability of the result of the sin, and more.
According to Catholic ideas, sins are determined by divine law, but also by human reason. Some non-sinful acts in the Old Testament are labeled as being sin in the New Testament."Sin is not predicated univocally of all kinds of sin, but primarily of actual mortal sin ... and therefore it is not necessary that the definition of sin in general should be verified except in that sin in which the nature of the genus is found perfectly. The definition of sin may be verified in other sins in a certain sense" (St. Thomas, II, d. 33, Q. i, a. 2, ad 2um)."
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14004b.htm
In other words, 'not all sin is sin'. . . "therefore" 'we don't need no steenking definition for sin' "except" in the case of 'perfect sin'."The division of sin into original and actual, mortal and venial, is not a division of genus into species because sin has not the same signification when applied to original and personal sin, mortal and venial. Mortal sin cuts us off entirely from our true last end; venial sin only impedes us in its attainment. Actual personal sin is voluntary by a proper act of the will. Original sin is voluntary not by a personal voluntary act of ours, but by an act of the will of Adam."
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14004b.htm
In other words, it's not really a subdividing within a single group because some sins are less significant than other sins. Some sins will "cut us off from our true last end", while others only slow us down in getting there. "Actual personal sin" is one we do for ourselves on purpose. "Original sin" was done for us by Adam.
For non-Catholic "Christians" to understand the Catholic definition(s), it is important to understand that in the Catholic religion, the Bible is considered a lessor authority than the men who rule, and where it contradicts their current opinion, it is considered to be outdated.
Anglican / Episcopalian (also called liberal Protestant)"Q. What is sin?
A. Sin is the seeking of our own will instead of the will of God, thus distorting our relationship with God, with other people, and with all creation."The Catechism of the Episcopal Church
http://www.mit.edu/~tb/anglican/intro/catechism.html1 John 3:4 is not mentioned in this article. Neither is the subject of God's law. As for seeking one's own will instead of God's will, Abraham wanted S and G spared for the sake of any righteous people living there, while God was determined to destroy it (Gen.18:20-33). Lot wanted to go to another city when God told him to go to the hills, and after God agreed, then he went to the hills anyway (Gen. 19:17-30). And Moses argued against God's killing all the Israelites (Num. 14:11-20). But none of these actions were considered to be sin.
Sin cannot be explained apart from the law. "What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, You shalt not covet." (Rom 7:7).
The law is not a bad thing. The law is not the problem, it simply helps us to understand the problem. The problem is sin, which separates us from God.
Lutheran
"The Doctrine of Sin
The Bible teaches, so Lutherans believe, that from the moment of conception all are sinful and under God's judgment. . . . That is what we are by nature, sinners. Sin is a condition and this condition is called "Original Sin."
The sins that we commit in thought, word, and deed, those wrongful acts of which we may or may not be aware, are called "Actual Sin."Sins also come in two kinds. Venial and Mortal sins. Venial sins are those sins that Christians commit.
. . . Mortal sins are deadly sins. They are acts of unbelief and rebellion against God. A person commits mortal sins when he or she refuses to acknowledge them as sins and who refuse to repent and confess before Christ. These are the sins that lead to eternal death, as is taught in 1 John 5:16-17."http://www.immanuelpeoria.org/teach/sin/sin.html
On the one hand, this says that ("original") sin is not our fault and that we had nothing to do with it. This concept passes the buck back to Adam.
On the other hand, "actual" sins are the ones we commit. No explanation is given other than "unbelief, rebellion, and refusal to repent". Compared to scripture, this is a rather short list.
From "The Large Catechism" by Martin Luther, we have a more precise definition:
"Thus we have the Ten Commandments, a compend of divine doctrine, as to what we are to do in order that our whole life may be pleasing to God, and the true fountain and channel from and in which everything must arise and flow that is to be a good work, so that outside of the Ten Commandments no work or thing can be good or pleasing to God, however great or precious it be in the eyes of the world."http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/luther/catechism/web/cat-09.html
Conservative Protestant (also called Moderate or Evangelical Protestant)Baptist:
"Sin is an offense against a holy God."
© 2001-2002 Thomas Road Baptist Church
http://www.trbc.org/html/page2.php?page=salvation
This is the Jerry Falwall Baptist organization. The web site has Mr. Falwall's sermons dating back to 1996. Based on the titles, none of them explain sin.
"On June 14, 2000, the Southern Baptist Convention adopted a revised summary of the Southern Baptist faith."
These 18 statements contain five references to sin, but no explanation of what sin is. Among the many scriptures listed as support for their articles of faith, 1 John 3:2 is as close as they get to the definition of sin (which is found in 1 Jn. 3:4).The Baptist Faith and Message
A Statement Adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention
http://www.utm.edu/martinarea/fbc/bfm/index.html
Methodist:
"Section III - Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules"
"103 The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church"
"Article VII—Of Original or Birth Sin
Original sin standeth not in the following of Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it is the corruption of the nature of every man, that naturally is engendered of the offspring of Adam, whereby man is very far gone from original righteousness, and of his own nature inclined to evil, and that continually."
This document has other references to sins committed by the individual, but they are references only and no explanation is given. However, specifics are listed in the "General Rules":
"The General Rules of the Methodist Church
[Bibliographical Note: The General Rules are printed here in the text of 1808 (when the fifth Restrictive Rule took effect), as subsequently amended by constitutional actions in 1848 and 1868.]
. . .
"There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies: "a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits.It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,
First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced, such as:
The taking of the name of God in vain.
The profaning the day of the Lord, either by doing ordinary work therein or by buying or selling.
Drunkenness: buying or selling spirituous liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of extreme necessity.
Slaveholding; buying or selling slaves.
Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or railing for railing; the using many words in buying or selling.
The buying or selling goods that have not paid the duty.
The giving or taking things on usury—i.e., unlawful interest.
Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation; particularly speaking evil of magistrates or of ministers.
Doing to others as we would not they should do unto us.
Doing what we know is not for the glory of God, as:
The putting on of gold and costly apparel.
The taking such diversions as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The singing those songs, or reading those books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love of God.
Softness and needless self-indulgence.
Laying up treasure upon earth.
Borrowing without a probability of paying; or taking up goods without a probability of paying for them.
. . .
These are the General Rules of our societies; all of which we are taught of God to observe, even in his written Word, which is the only rule, and the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice. And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly awakened hearts. If there be any among us who observe them not, who habitually break any of them, let it be known unto them who watch over that soul as they who must give an account. We will admonish him of the error of his ways. We will bear with him for a season. But then, if he repent not, he hath no more place among us. We have delivered our own souls."
http://www.umc.org/churchlibrary/discipline/doctrinalstandards/doctrinal_standards.htm
http://www.umc.org/index.asp
"The United Methodist Church"
Notice that God's law is not mentioned. Neither is 1 John 3:4.Drinking is not allowed, except "in cases of extreme necessity."
Tax avoidance is is forbidden, as is excessive criticism of leaders.
A reversed Golden Rule is given.
Gold jewelry and expensive clothing are forbidden along with estate-building.
Some forms of recreation are forbidden, including certain songs, and books, and all "softness and self-indulgence".In 1968, the UMC had approximately 11,000,000 members, supposedly practicing all of these "Rules" as the last paragraph says anyone not observing "all" these rules, "has no place among us".
Other Organizations:
Seventh Day Adventist"The great principles of God's law are embodied in the Ten Commandments and exemplified in the life of Christ. They express God's love, will, and purposes concerning human conduct and relationships and are binding upon all people in every age. These precepts are the basis of God's covenant with His people and the standard in God's judgment. Through the agency of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace and not of works, but its fruitage is obedience to the Commandments. This obedience develops Christian character and results in a sense of well-being."
http://www.sdanet.org/funb.html (Emphasis ours.)
Pentecostal
The Assemblies of God "Statement of Fundamental Truths" contains 16 articles but the word "sin" is not included in any of them. Under "General Doctrines" there are a number of references to sin, but no explanations. Under "Topics", there is no listing for "sin".
Copyright ©2002 The General Council of the Assemblies of God
http://ag.org/top/beliefs/truths.cfm
"The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada stands firmly in the mainstream of historical Christianity."
"He [man] fell through sin and, as a consequence, incurred both spiritual and physical death."There is no other reference to sin in their "statement of fundamental and essential truths".
Statement of Fundamental and Essential Truths
The Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada
Mormon, LDS
"The Articles of Faith are a vital part of the LDS canon and are published in the Pearl of Great Price. They were composed by Joseph Smith to concisely represent key elements of LDS doctrine."
"2. We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression. -Joseph Smith"
"1) Commandment keeping? In Matthew 19:16-22, somebody asked Christ directly what he needed to do to have eternal life. Christ answered: "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
This does not mean that we are saved by works, but that we must follow Christ to receive His grace. Gaining access to grace by following Christ is not saving ourselves by our works!"
http://www.jefflindsay.com/art_faith.htmlWhile there is no explanation of sin, at least this site does reference the laws of God.
Jehovah's Witnesses, Watchtower Tract Society
"Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned." What is this "sin"? It is a falling short of the mark of perfection or completeness."
"What Does God Require of Us?
Lesson 10, Practices That God Hates
1. Servants of God love what is good. But they must also learn to hate what is bad. (Psalm 97:10) That means avoiding certain practices that God hates. What are some of those practices?2. Fornication: Sex before marriage, adultery, bestiality, incest, and homosexuality are all serious sins against God. (Leviticus 18:6; Romans 1:26, 27; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10) If a couple are not married but are living together, they should separate or else get legally married.—Hebrews 13:4.
3. Lying, Gambling, Stealing: Jehovah God cannot lie. (Titus 1:2) Persons who want his approval must avoid lying. (Proverbs 6:16-19; Colossians 3:9, 10) Every form of gambling is tainted by greed. So Christians do not take part in any kind of gambling, such as lotteries, horse racing, and bingo. (Ephesians 5:3-5) And Christians do not steal. They do not knowingly buy stolen property or take things without permission.—Exodus 20:15; Ephesians 4:28.
4. Fits of Anger, Violence: Uncontrolled anger can lead to acts of violence. (Genesis 4:5-8) A violent person cannot be God's friend. (Psalm 11:5; Proverbs 22:24, 25) It is wrong to take revenge or to return evil for the bad things that others might do to us.—Proverbs 24:29; Romans 12:17-21.
5. Magical Spells and Spiritism: Some people call on the power of the spirits to try to heal sicknesses. Others cast spells on their enemies to make them sick or even to kill them. The power behind all these practices is Satan. So Christians must not take part in any of them. (Deuteronomy 18:9-13) Staying close to Jehovah is the best protection from spells that may be cast on us by others.—Proverbs 18:10.
6. Drunkenness: It is not wrong to drink a little wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverage. (Psalm 104:15; 1 Timothy 5:23) But heavy drinking and drunkenness are wrong in God's eyes. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 1 Timothy 3:8) Drinking too much can ruin your health and disrupt your family. It can also cause you to give in very quickly to other temptations.—Proverbs 23:20, 21, 29-35.
7. Persons who practice things that God says are bad will "not inherit God's kingdom." (Galatians 5:19-21) If you really love God and want to please him, you can break free from these practices. (1 John 5:3) Learn to hate what God says is bad. (Romans 12:9) Associate with people who have godly habits. (Proverbs 13:20) Mature Christian companions may prove to be a source of help. (James 5:14) Above all, rely on God's help through prayer.—Philippians 4:6, 7, 13."
Official Web Site of Jehovah’s Witnesses
http://www.watchtower.org/library/rq/article_10.htm
This series of lessons goes on to list: abortion, taking unnecessary risks, mistreating animals, hunting for "sport", smoking, using drugs for pleasure, eating blood, and blood transfusions as "practices which God hates".
But how does God define sin?