The Benefit of Sin

by Ross A. Aalgaard, MSW, LGSW

612.332.7743 ext. 285
raalgaard@wpc-mpls.org

I grew up in a revivalist tradition where "hell fire and brimstone" sermons and altar calls were commonplace. Tent meetings, campfires, and week-long evangelistic crusades were definitely normal in my cultural background. I still remember the revival songs like "There's Power in the Blood" and "Revive Us Again." I have to admit, there are times I miss the robust congregational singing and the emotion of the choir and soloists that preceded the clarion calls to "Repent and be saved!"

The way I worship and what I believe has changed over the years. I no longer think much of life in the hereafter or end times. I no longer am concerned in being saved from damnation or reserving a mansion in heaven for my sweet-by-and-by. Rather, I view my faith journey as being a daily path, and salvation as living fully at peace within God's ever-present spirit. This has reduced my contemplation on and conversation about sin. In my spiritual journey, sin just doesn't seem as pertinent as it once was.

Still, sin is not something I have completely eliminated from my thoughts or beliefs. In fact, I come across evidence of sin every day as I live my life and do my work. However, rather than trying to find ways to avoid sin, or view it as the antithesis of salvation, I instead understand sin as a helpful piece to experiencing wellness and wholeness. I think this perspective has been influenced through my reading Richard Rohr's Falling Upward: A Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life (Jossey-Bass, 2011).

Rohr says Jesus is never upset with sinners (check it out!); he is only upset with people   who do not think they are sinners! Jesus was fully at home with this tragic sense of life. He lived and rose inside it.

Rohr further explains: Sin and salvation are correlative terms. Salvation is not sin perfectly avoided, as the ego would prefer; but in fact, salvation is sin turned on its head and used in our favor. That is how transformative divine love is. If this is not the pattern, what hope is there for 99.9 percent of the world? We eventually discover that the same passion which leads us away from God can also lead us back to God and to our true selves (p.59-60).

I have come to understand sin as a gift; not something to lament over, but the device to use in our favor to "lead us back to God and to our true selves." Instead of viewing oneself as blemished due to sin, use that which is viewed as a shameful offense as a positive opportunity to motivate you toward better emotional and spiritual health. If you can't do it on your own, come visit one of the pastoral counselors at Westminster Counseling Center and we'll do what we can to help you along the road to transforming your mind and spirit. Peace be with you!