Are There Levels To Sin?

[Angel1111]

I think there are. Of course, this is my opinion, but I state it based on my interpretation of the scriptures and the differing punishments to be meted out for certain sins.

 

Not every sin meritted death. That suggests a level of trespass, to me. Some sins had death as an instant consequence, some had fees/fines.

 

But that's enough of my opinion on it. I am curious as to what others think.

 

....and some had their hands chopped off.

 

I don't believe in sin but I could say that I believe there are different levels of experiences we choose to create for ourselves. I don't like the label of sin because it seems to be a way to point the finger.

[jcrew]

It's a mistake to categorize sins as some churches do. For instance, the Catholic church has venial sins and mortal sins. And there are subcategories as well. As long as we do our best to be good people and completely forgive others when they slip up, we are doing just fine. Unfortunately, many people are hypocrites and think they can do whatever they want and it's just fine but others can't be forgiven for doing the same thing.

 

"Let he who about us is without sin cast the first stone."

 

As a practical matter, it's not nearly as bad to take a Tootsie Roll from the corner store than it is to kill your neighbor. But both sins are totally forgivable, depending on who's doing the forgiving. And, here on earth, the forgiving part is completely for the benefit of the forgiver. Harboring anger and resentment is bad for the heart and will kill over time. Why give any act that kind of power.

 

As far as a deity may be concerned, forgiving is just a matter of routine. Man was made to be fallible and can screw up big and small. There are so many reasons these sins are committed and in the final analysis it's up to the man upstairs to decide what's a big deal and what's not.

 

I'm sorry, but I'm confused about why you think the Catholic Church (or churches in general) categorizing sins is a mistake? Why does believing that there are different types of sin mean that we can't forgive others when they mess up? Sorry, I'm just puzzled at what one has to do with the other.

 

I believe that in the end the only forgiveness that matters is God's. But that doesn't mean that I can't feel forgiveness towards people who have wronged me or others. "And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." God's pretty clear on that point. I can feel forgiveness towards someone who has commited a mortal or venial sin, and surely would be encouraged to do so by the Church. And I fully believe that everyone can be forgiven by God.

 

Obviously there are some church-goers who fail in forgiving others, and are hypocritical in that area (though there are certainly people like that who DON'T go to church, too). But then isn't it the duty of the rest of us to forgive those hypocrites for their failure to do the right thing, even if they aren't willing to do the same for us?

[Dark-N-Romantic]

To answer the question about levels to sin... Only humankind believe there are levels of sin. The truth is this, for those who believe in the God I do, there are no levels for sin. He has never said that I will treat a person differently who lies than a person who commits a murderer, if you are caught doing either and they are used against you, you can go to Hell just as easily. As a matter of fact, I think in one A husband and wife who both lied about the amount of money they collected for the church and was suppose to turn over to it. While at the same time His own son died and a murderer was set free.

 

In short the only levels of sin is in the mind of man for if any man commits a sin, then he is worth of death in the eyes of God. But, thankfully He has grace and love that we are not rightfully punished for our sins.

 

 

DNR

[NoIDidn't]

To answer the question about levels to sin... Only humankind believe there are levels of sin. The truth is this, for those who believe in the God I do, there are no levels for sin. He has never said that I will treat a person differently who lies than a person who commits a murderer, if you are caught doing either and they are used against you, you can go to Hell just as easily. As a matter of fact, I think in one A husband and wife who both lied about the amount of money they collected for the church and was suppose to turn over to it. While at the same time His own son died and a murderer was set free.

 

In short the only levels of sin is in the mind of man for if any man commits a sin, then he is worth of death in the eyes of God. But, thankfully He has grace and love that we are not rightfully punished for our sins.

 

 

DNR

 

I can't say that I agree with you, totally. God Himself states that some things offend him more than others. A proud look, a lying tongue, feet that run to bloodshed......

 

But I do agree that there is one ultimate consequence to sin IF not forgiven by God.

[jcrew]

I like your style. The word appears to be written in your heart.

 

 

Thank you, that's very nice of you to say!

[AdrianaLima]

All sins are created equal. Whether it's murder, adultery, or worshiping other gods. It's all equal.

[Sks]

All sins are created equal. Whether it's murder, adultery, or worshiping other gods. It's all equal.

 

Since there already going to hell, they might as well take a few others with them, right? Since all sins get same "punishment" - Why not just go wild?

[Lovelybird]

Since there already going to hell, they might as well take a few others with them, right? Since all sins get same "punishment" - Why not just go wild?

white man, because you still get chance to atone these sins

[Sks]

white man, because you still get chance to atone these sins

 

Yea but I can always do that.

[Dark-N-Romantic]

I can't say that I agree with you, totally. God Himself states that some things offend him more than others. A proud look, a lying tongue, feet that run to bloodshed......

 

But I do agree that there is one ultimate consequence to sin IF not forgiven by God.

 

God also talks about a adulterous heart, murder, thievery, greed, lust, pride (a false sense of one that is), being lazy, etc. And that is why there are no levels of sins with God. All sins not forgiven will lead to damnation, God never lets a person believe otherwise.

 

Suicide may be the only unforgivable sin because the person cannot ask for forgiveness if he or she were successful.

 

 

DNR

[underpants]

Sorry NoIDidnt,

 

I didn't meant to threadjack.

 

For me, and this is hard for some to understand. Especially those that live by a set religious code.

 

I really do want to believe in the "golden rule". That one I agree with, and I think it covers many organized religious schools of thought.

 

My issue, as unsettleing as it may be, is that...if I see someone abusing that standard then I feel no shame breaking it myself to set it right. Even if it is none of my business. Within (selfish) reason as to what harm it may do me...God(s) aside.

 

I do believe in justice and honesty and if possible a compassionate outcome for all involved. However, humans can be a nasty bunch.

 

I do wish we could transend that and evolve into a utopia of kindness and less selfish empathy. However, like rainwater, the path of least resistance seems to be straight into the mud. Why is that?

[NoIDidn't]

Sorry NoIDidnt,

 

I didn't meant to threadjack.

 

No problem.

 

I do wish we could transend that and evolve into a utopia of kindness and less selfish empathy.

 

I do too. But I also believe as a Christian and a human that its impossible. Even for me. And you are not alone in doing things that you feel are wrong but see others doing. Human nature. We all do it to the extent that we can get away with it.

 

To everyone else:

 

I believe that is why there are levels to sin. Sins against children aren't tolerated. Even the Bible says so - a millstone around the neck and cast into the sea is pretty severe.

 

I agree that the ultimate payment for any sin is death, but none of us can escape death - sin or not. So, before death, why are the consequences for some things more severe than others? If they were all equal the Old Testament would have commanded death for all, no?

[flavius]

"Actually the scriptures support this notion. Christ said that looking at a woman and desiring to be with her in your mind was no different than actually doing it."

 

That's not quite true, NoIDidnt. Jesus said, speakng of lust and adultery, that "if you look upon a woman to lust after her, [you have] already committed adultery with her in [your] heart."

 

That does NOT say that doing something in your heart is equivalent to doing it actually, it just says that your heart may be corrupt even though you have not carried out your sinful intention. Likewise, if I imagine myself driving a cool car that is not my own, that does not mean that I'm a car thief in my heart. I just like the car, and I love the idea of it being mine. BIG difference!

 

Compare to what Jesus said later in the same speech: "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be good, thy whole body shall be light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body will be darkness." The question is not whether you were turned on by someone you looked at. The question is whether your heart is evil toward them or good.

[flavius]

Lest I sound like I'm disagreeing with you, let me underscore that I am not. You are making some good points that I agree with entirely.

 

And just in case anyone wonders, nothing in the bible teaches that all sins are equivalent. Many things indicate the opposite (which is simply obvious in any case.)

[flavius]

"Actually the scriptures support this notion. Christ said that looking at a woman and desiring to be with her in your mind was no different than actually doing it."

 

That's not quite true, NoIDidnt. Jesus said, speakng of lust and adultery, that "if you look upon a woman to lust after her, [you have] already committed adultery with her in [your] heart."

 

That does NOT say that doing something in your heart is equivalent to doing it actually, it just says that your heart may be corrupt even though you have not carried out your sinful intention. Likewise, if I imagine myself driving a cool car that is not my own, that does not mean that I'm a car thief in my heart. I just like the car, and I love the idea of it being mine. BIG difference!

 

Compare to what Jesus said later in the same speech: "The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be good, thy whole body shall be light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body will be darkness." The question is not whether you were turned on by someone you looked at. The question is whether your heart is evil toward them or good.