When you commit a sin, who are you actually offending?

[firekitty751]

I'm very ambivalent when it comes to religion, but I hesitate to label my "beliefs" (or lack thereof?) as agnostic or athiest.

I don't exactly believe things we do "wrong" are "sins" exactly, but not "right."

Right and wrong are relative terms. Ancient people believed human sacrifice was the right thing to do. Who are we to say that's "wrong?" It was just as much a part of their religion as communion is a part of christianity.

I won't pretend to know a lot about specific religions. I went to church for years but all that did was fuel my hatred for it. I didn't learn a lot, probably because I didn't want to.

But to get to the point, I think that we all have our own sets of values of right and wrong (along with laws we should follow). So tell me this... When you commit a sin, or something generally considered "wrong," who are you offending? You might feel guilty for telling a lie, but do you feel guilty because it goes against your morals, or because you know your religion disagrees with that?

I personally don't believe any higher power is out there keeping track of what we do. I rarely feel bad for lying, or being judgemental. But when I do something that does make me feel bad, I believe it's only a "sin" against myself. I feel bad because it goes against my own morals.

Does that make any sense? I guess what I'm really trying to ask is, if you do something that your religion or society says is wrong, do you feel bad because it's supposed to be wrong, or because you honestly think there's a higher power that isn't happy with you? Are you concerned with what you actually did, and how to make it better, or are you concerned with saving your own ass so you can have a happy afterlife?

[Source]

I'm an athiest so I don't worry about some higher power judging me. Society changes it's laws and rules over the years to benefit the government. So I don't really worry about sinning.

I pretty much do what I feel like. Who is anybody else to tell me, what is "right" and what is "wrong"? Every person has their own veiws on whats "right" and "wrong", and nobody is more qualified to judge you, than yourself.

Edit: Spelling.



[This message has been edited by Source (edited 10-24-2006).]

[aetherdweller]

At the end of the day do you feel your actions have contributed towards good? Most people experience a guilt that religion uses to its benefit. Sin is a term that is only useful within the context of a religion.

Is it useful to compare the sins of different religions? Not really unless it amuses you. The cup of coffee that I am drinking would be considered sinful in some circles of Christianity but beneficial (in limited amounts) in Taoist thought.

If you don't have a well defined code of right and wrong and can't find it within yourself to acknowledge your shortcomings and strive to do better then perhaps there is a religion that can provide the foundation that you need.

[ArmsMerchant]

In my philosophy, there is no such thing as "sin." Ther ARE times when one makes choices not in one's best interests, however.

But God is never offended--for one thing, he is above such petty human emotions--for another, he loves us all unconditionally.

[w33d]

You're mostly offending yourself and those around you, can you name a sin that doesn't hurt you and the people around you?

[elfstone]

quote:Originally posted by w33d:

You're mostly offending yourself and those around you, can you name a sin that doesn't hurt you and the people around you?

Jacking off? Homosexuality? Pre-marital sex?

[RogueWarheart]

quote:Originally posted by elfstone:

Jacking off? Homosexuality? Pre-marital sex?

Guilty.

Not guilty.

Guilty.

2/3

[Twitch_67]

What's wrong with masturbation? And what's the difference between sex before wearing a ring and sex after wearing a ring? The sin should be unprotected sex before being in a steady, serious relationship that might last.

[TheMessiahComplex]

Basically, if I ever feel like I did something wrong it's usually because it negatively affected someone else and I might feel bad about that. That is, if I care about them.

For instance, I felt really bad about cheating on a girlfriend once, but not because I was having unprotected premarital sex with a girl I had met that night and going against societal or religious values.

[sh0x0rz3r]

quote:Originally posted by ArmsMerchant:

In my philosophy, there is no such thing as "sin." Ther ARE times when one makes choices not in one's best interests, however.

But God is never offended--for one thing, he is above such petty human emotions--for another, he loves us all unconditionally.

O RLY?

Why is there a hell then?

"I love you so you have to burn for all eternity. Have a nice day!"