(August 8, 2013 at 10:16 am)Locke Wrote: On a side note, I want to clarify: The Bible does not teach that infants or children are guilty of sin - with pure intentions it is impossible to sin. Sin is essentially rebellion to God, and one must have full mental capability to understand the consequences of their sin to be guilty of it. Note, this accounts for accidental sin as well; I child cannot fully grasp the consequences of his/her actions, but for us (as I don't think my audience here includes children) we can commit a sin unknowingly, but are not held responsible unless we see it and decide not to change. If you want more clarification on specifics then pm me.
Suffice to say, the Bible teaches that we must take responsibility for our actions, and it also clarifies the differences between sin, and consequences of sin.
Doesn't this turn christianity into an evil thing, though? If sin committed unknowingly is forgiven by dint of not being overt rebellion, would not the kindest, objectively best thing a christian could do for the souls of all mankind be to dismantle the church, destroy every bible, and never speak a word about god again for the rest of their natural lives? It might not save those of us already tainted with the knowledge of god, but there would be generations after who would never grow up around crucifixes, and thus never learn about sin, making all their sins unknowing ones.
Also, what happens if an adult has a brain injury and develops amnesia, forgetting all about god? Are the sins he commits during that period okay?

"YOU take the hard look in the mirror. You are everything that is wrong with this world. The only thing important to you, is you." - ronedee
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Want to see more of my writing? Check out my (safe for work!) site, Unprotected Sects!