(no subject)

[bluegreen17]

i've been doing some reading on 'the perennial philosophy' and comparative religions today.

i've found that when i consider the definition of 'sin' to mean 'error' or 'mistake' (as i once read would have been a better definition of the word in the original version),then religion makes a heck of a lot more sense.

Comments

[gwferguson.livejournal.com]

Ya know, I read something similar, that "sin" best translated as "falling short." That's a concept I can live with!

[bluegreen17]

here here! or is it hear hear!?

yes,definitely casting a much different light on the whole concept. the whole idea of the bible and it's translation(s) is fascinating and makes one wonder a lot of things. i was raised catholic,and as such we didnt do a lot of bible quoting like protestants,especially fundamentalists,do. i ponder if that was because we were following the 'spirit' of the law rather than the 'letter' which was my understanding of what jesus's message of reform,if you will,was all about. i remember going to my sister's baptist church a few years ago and being really annoyed about the preacher heavily emphasizing law. judaism emphasizes law,and i respect that since they dont believe jesus was God, that they don't follow his teachings. but the basic message i got is if you 'love one another' it pretty much covers the ten commandments or even goes beyond them. well,arent' i the little theological speculator here this morning. anyway,those are my thoughts!

[canonfire.livejournal.com]

yes, the Greek word for "sin" is hamartia, literally "to miss the mark". I always think of archery when I think of that word.

[bluegreen17]

i think that's where i'd gotten the original idea but forgot the specifics. thanks. knowing that,it implies trying but failing,whereas the word sin seems to be commonly understood to mean that one isn't trying and doesn't give a damn or is just plain bad,instead of human and making mistakes. at least that's how i've perceived it,if it's not common!

a big difference in intention. which brings to mind the adage 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions'. dont know if i agree with that. when ive had faith and failed,i've trusted that God knew what was in my heart and that it counted for something. i think there's another saying more on the lines of 'i'd rather do the wrong thing for the right reasons than the right thing for the wrong reasons' and i think i agree with that much more! i think intention may be unseen but is definitely felt,and that makes a huge difference.