I am reading a recent book by Biblical theologian Gary A. Anderson on the changing ideas of sin in Judaism and early Christianity. He analyzes scriptural texts using many detailed scholarly sources. His intriguing findings are that the concept of sin in Judaism changed from earlier metaphors of stain and burden to the idea of sin as being in debt to God and other creditors.
Whenever Jewish persons could not repay their debts they were condemned to suffer and work off their obligations by becoming enslaved to their creditors or suffering other punishments. Sin became increasingly identified with being in debt to God as the ultimate creditor. Such concepts and practices are referred to in the parables of the New Testament and explain the plea to forgive us our debts in the Lord's Prayer.
To be forgiven one’s debts was a freedom and life restoring event. A family member may pay up for you or the debt can be cancelled by a generous creditor who no longer demand what is owed. Earlier Biblical concepts of sin as stain or burden were removed by the weight being taken away, perhaps by a scapegoat, or being washed clean.
Such metaphors for sin and its remission can be seen to influence different theological interpretations of how Jesus saves his people and takes away the sins of the world. Ancient Semitic practices of using credit to help others in need have also played a role in ideas of how God, Jesus and the saints can be called upon to extend help to the hard pressed sinner from their rich treasury of grace.
The traditional images can still be seen to possess power for us in understanding the good news of salvation. Yes experientially sin is a heavy burden and we can feel stained and soiled. To be washed clean as snow and relieved of weighty depressing burdens renews life. The painful condition of being in debt and enslaved to debt also still works as an idea for sin. This image works literally in this debt laden economy and symbolically in understanding how much addiction is like the despair of being a debt slave.
How grateful we are to be liberated, forgiven and freed. But more may also be at stake. Ancient ideas of sin can be changing and evolving even now. What do we think is the nature of sin today?
Sidney Callahan
'This image works literally in this debt laden economy and symbolically in understanding how much addiction is like the despair of being a debt slave.'
This is well understood by people in recovery.
Sure, the confessional boxes are not in use [my parish uses them as a supply storage] we do have a confessional room though.
It might be reassuring to look at all the thousands of 12 step meetings held in Church basements as the new Reconciliation. The' boxes' opened their no-windows to a fresh breeze.
I think you misunderstand what is meant by insitutional evil.
I think this is an important point when reflecting upon what sin is.
But I also am intrigued with considering sin in terms of (the burden of) debt (and forgiveness). Not being worthy and knowing it, yet somehow having this great debt absolved. Talk about having a winning lottery ticket.
It reminds me of the celebration of Jubilee in ancient Judaism. Supposedly every 50 years all debts were forgiven, all prisoners freed, and the wealth and land redistributed. That kind of radical societal cleansing has to be rooted in a profoundly real relationship with an unconditionally loving God.
''Bless me Father''......Words often spoken through tremulous tears are becoming a rarity..not because the priests of today and the people they serve are in some way less faithful but because the image of priest and bishop has been shattered as has the trust of the people.
Confession is a particularly intimate experience for both participants. Its fragility is now being demonstrated....but redemption is ongoing and I believe in Christ's healing love and a consequent revival of that confident, humble plea.....''Bless me father.........''