In progressive Christianity, there is a diversity of opinions on the concept of sin. Some may view sin as a literal transgression of God’s law, while others may see it as a more metaphorical concept representing actions or attitudes that harm ourselves or others.
One perspective that is common in progressive Christian thought is the idea that sin is primarily a social and systemic problem rather than an individual failing. In this view, sin is not just about personal morality but also about the ways in which we participate in and perpetuate structures of oppression and injustice.
Old Testament sin
The Bible offers a number of different perspectives on sin. In the Old Testament, sin is often seen as a violation of God’s law and is often associated with ritual impurity. For example, Leviticus 4:2 says, “Speak to the Israelites, saying: When anyone sins unintentionally in any of the Lord’s commandments about things not to be done and does any one of them…”
New Testament sin
In the New Testament, sin is often associated with the idea of separation from God and is portrayed as a problem that requires redemption or reconciliation. For example, Romans 3:23 says, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The concept of sin in the New Testament is often linked to the idea of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, as in John 3:16, which says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”
Scholars have offered a variety of interpretations of sin in Christian theology. One influential approach is the concept of “original sin,” which was developed by theologian Augustine of Hippo in the 4th century. Augustine argued that all humans inherit the sin of Adam and Eve, and that this original sin results in a fundamental brokenness and separation from God. This view has been criticized by some progressive Christian theologians for its emphasis on individual guilt and its negative view of human nature.
Other scholars have focused on the social and systemic aspects of sin. For example, feminist theologians have highlighted the ways in which traditional concepts of sin and redemption have been used to justify patriarchal structures and gender inequality. They argue that a more expansive understanding of sin is needed that takes into account the ways in which social structures and cultural norms contribute to oppression and harm.
Individual wrongdoing and moral failing
While progressive Christians tend to focus more on the social and systemic dimensions of sin, many would also acknowledge the reality of individual wrongdoing and moral failing. However, they may understand these individual failures as being deeply intertwined with broader social and cultural dynamics rather than as isolated personal sins.
For example, progressive Christians may view individual acts of injustice or harm as symptoms of deeper social structures and cultural norms that perpetuate inequality, oppression, and violence. They may argue that these structures and norms create conditions that make it difficult for individuals to act ethically and in line with their values or that encourage people to prioritize their own interests at the expense of others.
Moreover, progressive Christians often emphasize the importance of grace and forgiveness in addressing individual moral failures. They may reject the idea of a harsh and punitive God who is primarily concerned with punishing individual wrongdoing and instead emphasize a God of love and compassion who offers the possibility of redemption and transformation for all people, regardless of their past mistakes.
Overall, while progressive Christians tend to focus more on the social and systemic dimensions of sin, they do not necessarily reject the reality of individual moral failing but instead seek to understand it in a broader social and cultural context and to respond with compassion, grace, and a commitment to transformative social change.
Here are a few theological citations and resources that may be helpful in exploring progressive Christian perspectives on sin:
“Original Blessing” by Matthew Fox – In this book, theologian Matthew Fox offers a critique of the traditional Christian concept of original sin and proposes a more positive, nature-based understanding of human beings as inherently good and connected to the divine.
“Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God” by Brian Zahnd – In this book, pastor and author Brian Zahnd explores the idea of sin as a problem of separation from God, and argues that the traditional view of sin as a legal infraction is a distortion of the biblical message.
“The Sin of White Supremacy” by Jeannine Hill Fletcher – In this book, theologian Jeannine Hill Fletcher explores the ways in which racism and white supremacy are intertwined with Christian theology and calls for a reexamination of the concept of sin in light of these issues.
“A Theology of Liberation” by Gustavo Gutierrez – In this classic work of liberation theology, theologian Gustavo Gutierrez argues that sin is not just an individual failing, but a structural problem that affects entire communities and societies.
“Beyond Original Sin” by Diarmuid O’Murchu – In this book, theologian Diarmuid O’Murchu explores the history and theology of the concept of original sin, and argues that it is a limiting and problematic idea that has hindered the development of a more holistic and inclusive understanding of human nature and the divine.
These resources offer just a few examples of the diverse range of theological perspectives on sin within progressive Christianity. It is important to note that there is no one “official” view on sin within this broad and varied movement and that individuals and communities may hold a wide variety of beliefs and interpretations on this topic.
Here are some additional theological citations and resources that may be helpful for exploring progressive Christian perspectives on sin in more depth:
“The Crucified God” by Jürgen Moltmann – In this influential work of theology, Jürgen Moltmann offers a powerful critique of the traditional Christian understanding of sin as a violation of God’s law, and instead argues that sin is a form of alienation that must be overcome through the transformative power of the cross.
“Hope in Time of Abandonment” by Jacques Ellul – In this book, French philosopher and theologian Jacques Ellul explores the idea of sin as a form of social and cultural idolatry that leads to the oppression and exploitation of others.
“For the Life of the World” by Alexander Schmemann – In this classic work of Orthodox theology, Alexander Schmemann offers a critique of the traditional understanding of sin as a legal infraction, and instead emphasizes the idea of sin as a form of death and alienation from God and one another.
“The Powers That Be” by Walter Wink – In this book, theologian Walter Wink explores the concept of “the powers” – the social and political structures that dominate and oppress human beings – and argues that sin is fundamentally a problem of these structures, rather than individual wrongdoing.
“Transforming Christian Theology” edited by Philip Clayton and Tripp Fuller – This collection of essays by leading progressive Christian theologians offers a diverse range of perspectives on sin, exploring issues such as original sin, social sin, and the role of grace in redemption.
These resources provide a deeper dive into the diverse range of theological perspectives on sin within progressive Christianity, and offer a sense of the richness and complexity of this ongoing theological conversation.
Here are some biblical passages that are often cited in support of progressive Christian views on sin as a social and systemic problem:
Isaiah 1:16-17 – “Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” This passage emphasizes the importance of individual moral transformation but also ties that transformation to a broader concern for social justice and the correction of systemic oppression.
Micah 6:8 – “He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” This passage similarly emphasizes the importance of justice and compassion in individual and collective life and implies that ethical behavior is not just a matter of personal morality but also of social responsibility.
Matthew 23:23 – “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you, tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith.” This passage critiques a focus on legalistic compliance with rules and regulations and instead highlights the importance of justice, mercy, and faith as core ethical principles.
Luke 4:18-19 – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” This passage, which Jesus reads in the synagogue in Nazareth, highlights the importance of social justice and liberation as key aspects of his ministry.
James 1:27 – “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” This passage emphasizes the importance of caring for vulnerable and marginalized members of society and implies that a pure and authentic faith is one that is expressed through compassionate action in the world.
These passages offer just a few examples of the many biblical texts that could be cited in support of a progressive Christian understanding of sin as a social and systemic problem closely tied to issues of justice, compassion, and social responsibility.
