A New Concept

[Guest guest]

I just finished my first term in school! Yay!!!

I wanted to share something that got me thinking. Quick disclosure first,

though: I am always respectful of people's faith practices. The intent of this

isn't to start a discussion about sin or original sin or religious ideals. If I

may ask for grace here, please overlook those details because they aren't the

point of my story. (Phew).

The professor was talking about sin and guilt. It was a theology course, so

that's required. He was talking about the origin, nature, etc. of sin as

Christians understand sin within their faith practices. Here's what he said as

he discussed what is and isn't considered " sin: "

" If you are genuinely not able to do something, that is not counted as sin. For

example, if you try to rescue people from a burning building but are overcome by

the flames to the degree that you simply can't get to them, that does not count

as sin against you. If those people died despite your best efforts, their blood

is not on your hands. " i.e. In this professor's understanding, we are not held

to impossible standards.

Again, this isn't a commentary on God or sin or what you think about those.

This is simply a new concept for me:

If the standard is impossible, it doesn't count against you if you can't pull it

off.

How completely opposite to the BP world: no matter how insane the expectations,

you will be punished and punished severely if you don't meet them. And, you

will often be punished if you do because you were " showing off " or " being

arrogant. "

Imagine . . . living in a world where it's not counted against you if you can't

pull off the impossible.

Thanks for your grace on this one--the thought has really stuck with me, and I

needed to " speak " it out to the friends who understand. I guess I needed

support and an understanding ear. You know how, sometimes, a basic and easy

truth hurts your feelings when you've never been able to enjoy it?

Thanks,

Karla