Re (7): Degrees of Knowledge

Well, I could be only 99% corrrect :) but I still think that sin is not the central issue, albeit as I said, it is a big one, and it's the attitude that insists it is that drives people away from God in the first place. We've spent too many centuries so focused on sin that it's driven a deep wedge between us and God. At the very least, it is not the central issue for a Christian, albeit as I said, it is a big one. And this is the very reason. Jesus knew that as long as we are preoccupied with sin, we won't be able to engage in the relationship with Him that He wants for us all. We won't approach God as anything but a fierce and menacing judge, standing with arms crossed, deep frown, tapping His foot at our presumptious approach. Much less will we treat one another with the love with which He loves us.

Did Jesus, God in the flesh, go around pointing His finger at everyone? Not. But look at what our preoccupation with sin has driven us to do to one another. As Christians, no less. To fellow Christians, no less. We engage in self-righteousness and outright abuse in order to accuse others and excuse ourselves. When Jesus did point the finger, this was usually where, at self-righteous injustice and sin against mercy. At any rate, as I can only speak for myself, I will say that I personally never met a Christian who made me want to be one, (although I now know two or three who might have, none of whom would have tried to push it on me - one might say they preach the message by being the message as was brought out in the newsletter:) and once I was drawn closer to the flame myself, then and only then was it that I lost my taste for sin or any ability to overcome it.

If we must concern ourselves with sin, (and I suppose to some extent we must) then let us limit ourselves to asking the Holy Spirit to show us the darkness in our own hearts and remove it by whatever means He deems necessary, but let us not let it devolve into morbid introspection, self-condemnation, or condenmation of others, thereby enlarging an already existing rift between the soul and its Creator.