(my) original sin(s)
January 21, 2008
I don’t remember anymore how long ago it was that I threw out the idea of “original sin” as being morally offensive. The idea that anyone is responsible for another’s failings or wrongdoings just couldn’t sit as a part of a rational ethical system for me.
Now I am convinced that there is a place for the concept in my personal theology. I still have enough of my evangelical upbringing at heart to believe that theology/ religion is a personal affair and a personal relationship. In my life there are sins of my ancestors that I feel I am culpable for (whiteness, maleness, heterosexuality, middle classness and christianity to name a few). Yes I believe that they are sins/crimes against humanity. Each of these identities describes a set of behaviors and ways of being in the world that is built on the assumption of greater value in life than others who don’t fit the category. To steal from the biblical story of the “fall” the desire to be like god in relation to another, or even more the assumption in action that I am. It is fair in my mind that the guilt of these crimes is inherited because I have fully accepted and adapted to my own use the ways of being in the world they describe.
This blog is an attempt to work out my salvation in fear and trembling and find a theory and practice of repentance. I hope that it will also lead to connection with others who are attempting a similar journey and/or will provide critique to help me clarify. Yes I want your help. I’m not looking to feel guikty or sorry for myself I expect the trip to be at least as exciting as it is hard and more than worthwhile.
To say I am responsible is not to let god off the hook. I think it is only right that the divinity/divinities be held criminally responsible for the ways their followers relate in the world. It is way to easy an answer to say that perpetrated by christians are bad interpretations. If something serves a purpose often enough you have to stop just saying it’s misused and begin to examine whether it is a tool designed for exactly that purpose.
