by Annie Duncan

Created on: October 30, 2009

SIN - Religions preach that we shouldn't. Yet even in the most conservative religions the definition has changed for convenience. An act that was a sin yesterday may not be one today. Many will use the definitions as it works for them, interpreting from the bible what is sin so they can pass their judgements on the flavour of the day, whether it is opposing gay marriage or their neighbour choosing not to attend worship services on Sunday. So what is a sin, and who had the authority to define a sin? How many times has the bible been translated and how has God's word been misquoted? How do we know? Is it alright to steal a loaf of bread if we haven't food to eat and the owner of the store is a crook who steals from us every day? Is it alright to kill a man in war to defend our way of life? Is it alright to leave a marriage for another if our spouse is abusive? Is the person who tells us we are sinners for an act sinning themselves by judging us?

My Father was a good man, but he was not a believer in any one religion or church. He treated everyone with respect and kindness. He loved his family and even though he never took us to church on Sundays, he took us on camping trips and taught us to appreciate nature and its peace. He treated animals with respect and was never cruel to a living soul. He knew it troubled me that he never went to church and that he never seemed to have any religious beliefs or anything to guide him. On his deathbed he was going in and out of consciousness. He woke up at one point and his eyes were searching the room for me. When he saw me I realized there was something he needed to tell me but he was weak. I gave him my full attention and leaned in closer. He whispered to me that I wasn't to worry anymore. He said he saw the place where he was going and it was beautiful and he will be happy there. That was the moment I truly understood sin.

I cannot define it for you, only you can. Only you know and how you know is that feeling inside that will tell you if what you are doing is right or wrong. I believe my Father was especially blessed to be able to listen to his heart at all times and treat others with a sincere desire to be kind and compassionate

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