Sin and Morality

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Sin and Morality

• Chapter 5
• Created by Michael Cheney

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• A man of honor regrets a discreditable act even
  when it has worked and he has not been caught.
• H. L. Mencken

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Learning Outcomes

• Students will
• Examine two images of sin used in Scripture
• Appreciate that forgiveness of sin is a primary
  message of Jesus
• Differentiate types of sin with the intent to
  overcome sin in their lives
• Understand that they too are involved in social
  sin

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Sin and Gods Love

• Complete Before we begin
• Form small groups
• Compare lists and make a case for one rating over
  another
• Each group will report their comparisons

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The Pervasive Mystery of Sin

• Read Case Study
• What examples of sin does the man offer?
• What image does he use to illustrate how sin
  begins and spreads?
• According to ancient wisdom, what is the root of
  sin?
• What minimizes the effects of sin on our world
  and inside of us?

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Reflection (p. 82)

• If you were invited to address a group of young
  people about sin, what would you say?
• What examples would you give?
• What would be the primary message that you would
  want to communicate about sin?

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Symbols of Sin Activity

• Instructions
• On a clean sheet of paper devise a symbolic image
  of sin.
• Leave paper on your desk
• Walk around the room, taking note of images that
  people use to visualize sin
• Dont criticize artistic abilities

• Which image appeared most frequently?
• Were any images particularly appropriate?
• Did any images reflect contemporary concerns in
  their community or in our culture?
• Were any images unusual or unexpected?
• Are there questions about why any of the images
  were chosen

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Sin and Gods Love

• Sin our failures at loving God, others, and
  ourselves.
• Adam and Eve story
• The history and legacy of sin that precedes us
  has an effect on us and our society today
• Effects of sin
• Distorts our attitudes
• Disorders our priorities
• Misdirects our will
• Causes fear of death vulnerability

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How does sin operate in our lives?

• Two Biblical Images of Sin

Hardness of heart Distorted attitudes
harmatia
Case study (p. 85)
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Biblical Images and Their Opposites

• Pair up with another
• Think about attitudes that would be the opposite
  of the Biblical images
• Missing the mark
• Hardness of heart

Handout 51 The Mystery of Sin Contemporary
Viewpoints
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Group Talk

• In our society there is a tendency for people to
  blame circumstances rather than to take
  responsibility for their behavior.
• What kind of problems are caused by our not
  taking responsibility for our behavior?
• Use examples to support your answer.

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Sin Our Personal Responsibility

• Sin is helpful only when it helps us change, to
  move toward conversion

metanoia
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Sin and Forgiveness

• Mark 21-12
• Activity (p. 89)
• Read Gospel passages
• Describe Jesus attitude toward sin or sinners
• How can Jesus message of forgiveness be applied
  today?

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Jesus reveals Gods nature

• Resurrection appearance in Johns Gospel

Shalom Peace be with you
We receive Gods forgiveness when we admit our
faults
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Wrap-up

• What does the story of Adam and Eve indicate
  about a Christian understanding of sin?
• How does the story of Jesus respond to and
  complete the story of Adam and Eve?
• Name two Biblical images used for sin.