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by Jeph Johnson

1. What do you understand the Christian doctrine of sin to be?

The Christian doctrine of sin is that the creator God's will of what a human should be (as represented in the first man Adam) was not fulfilled precisely, due to the serpent in the garden of Eden tempting Adam to eat of the tree of knowledge and Adam giving in to that temptation. The effects of sin became twofold: a "spiritual" and a "physical" death. The spiritual death separated humans from the "perfect" God (who is "sinless"). The physical death separated humans from life. Jesus (the Son of God, and God incarnate) came to earth to live a sinless life as a man, and suffer and die for the sins of the rest of all humans. It is believed by Christians that due to this sacrifice, eternal life is granted to those who believe in him. Two problems I have is that the physical death that is supposedly "conquered" is still apparent: Christians die and are only "saved" from death in a mysterious "Heaven" that is promised but never shown. In regards to the "spiritual re-birth", Christians still sin, and acceptance of Jesus does not really help in that area either, as I personally am a much happier, nicer and well-liked person since abandoning Christianity.

2. Do you think the Christian doctrine of sin is in any way true? If so, explain. If not, what are your objections?

No, it is a made up doctrine intended on giving some explanation for evil in the world. We all do bad things. We all do good things. Morality is relative. Certain actions are just relatively wrong to more people than others.

3. Do you think that you sin?

I do bad things some times, yes.

4. If you do sin, why do you sin?

Because I want to. End of story. And even when I was a Christian, I thought it was a silly cop out to blame the "sin" I committed on Adam. The better explanation is that I sometimes choose to be selfish and put myself first. Christians actually NEVER take responsibility for their actions: Before they accept Christ it's "Adam's fault" and after they accept Christ it's "I'm not perfect, I'm just forgiven." When does a Bible believer ever need to take responsibility for their actions? Okay, I know "repentance" is preached, but is it really necessary? Shouldn't repentance occur because you want to be a good person, and not to "please God", appease for "Adam's sin" or "because Jesus had to die"?