Though the word "sin" has accumulated undesirable baggage,
sin means separation.
When we regard anything as energetically separate from ourselves,
we are no longer scintillating but sinning.
We have chopped the universe into fragments.
We are no longer at peace but in pieces.
We do this by deflation (seeing ourselves as less than)
and by inflation (seeing ourselves as more than).
"For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."
When we fall for the illusion of separation,
we cheat ourselves of radiant energy.
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I think that "missing the mark of human existence" is a better meaning for sin. "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." That is pretty much the same as missing the mark or target or goal which is what sin is. Original sin be damned.
ReplyDeleteThank you, John. An excellent definition to be sure. An old archery (and zen) saying has it that a hair's breadth difference creates a yawning chasm (in American parlance, "a miss is as good as a mile") -- a metaphorical way of saying "separation." As always, I appreciate your prompt willingness to post your thoughts and for our blogversations over the years.
ReplyDeleteJohn, here it is (the zen saying).
ReplyDelete"A tenth of an inch's difference,
and heaven and earth are set apart."
--Hsin Hsin Ming (Sosan)
Thank you both, George and JB, for these postings. The Christian Church has entered the season of Lent, and I have been mindful these past few days of the destructive illusion of separation that is sin. Both of you have provided excellent guidance for thoughts going though my head. Thank you!
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