Asking the clergy: Does the definition of sin change?
Pastor Jeff Laustsen, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Rockville Centre:
While some of our definitions of sin have changed with the times (few of us fret over whether we should eat meat offered to idols) or with different understandings of faith (most Christians no longer worship on the Sabbath Day but on Sunday, the weekly celebration of Christ's Resurrection), the condition of sin remains the same: It is our state of alienation from God and from one another, a state of estrangement that both violates God's intended purpose for creation and vexes humanity with the pain and suffering that are the result of choosing paths that lead us away from the love of God and the peace that is God's purpose for all people. Our definition of sin has not changed because the human condition has not changed.
Rabbi Art Vernon, Jewish Community Center of West Hempstead:
The Jewish definition of sin has not changed, even though the forms of misconduct have expanded greatly with the evolution of mankind and technology. Is nonreporting of income for which there is no record a sin? Yes, it is a form of stealing, even if everyone does it. Human nature has not changed since the beginning of recorded history. We sometimes act willfully in violation of the rules, standards or norms of society. God is constant and consistent, continuing to demand that we humans act with integrity, compassion and justice no matter how society may change.
Pastor Elmer Hardy Jr., formerly of the First Baptist Church of Port Jefferson:
The Bible is clear on the issue of sin, that it is anything in opposition to God's word or God's will. Sin is disobedience to God's will, and we understand that we sin on a number of levels, including thought, word and deed . . . . While the issues of the day may change, sin, or disobedience to God's word, remains the same. The good news, however, is that while the wages of sin are death, the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus.
The Rev. Paul Quevedo, The Reformed Church of Locust Valley:
When society prevails, yes, because the definition becomes more about us than God. It has something to do with norms. However, as each generation leaves its mark, we can readily see that there is no consensus on the issue of sin. Praise, acceptability, "OK-Ness" and tolerance have been wrapped up in every argument from the pulpit to the courts as to whether a person is "just being his or her self" or committing some heinous act that violates someone's ideal of a human being. Even so, some churches model themselves after judicial and civil systems in not only defining sin but proposing degrees and categories of sin and its consequence. And the irony of it all is, as one sits to make such a determination, one sins. When our actions and/or thoughts aren't loving, we sin. When our lives do not build up, lift up, honor, respect or assure the lives of one another, when we treat any aspect of God's creation (that's the whole world, my friends, and everything in it, including you and me) as if it or I or you have less worth, value, right or integrity, we sin. Everyone sins, and God knows it, but God never gives up on us.
The Rev. Allan B. Ramirez, Brookville Reformed Church:
It is not so much that the definition of sin changes with the times, as much as we must be mindful of how our actions may be violating our beliefs in our God and those around us. The question for each of us must always be: Is what I am doing negative, destructive and violating the tenets which call me to be connected with God and those around me? If so, then I am committing a sin. Plain and simple.
