Reflections in sin

I had, it's fair to say, a fairly focussed upbringing on the subject of sin. The focal point of this was that if you said the right words in the one and only right direction then all would be forgiven, regardless of the deed.

Such a concept never felt right then and feels very alien to me now, for many reasons. Firstly I find the whole thing far too complicated to be answered in a one size fits all solution. Many will never know & understand the Christian message so they are at an immediate and fatal disadvantage.
Secondly even Christianity pre dates Christ making it a rum do for those born before. Thirdly the heinous individual deserves little . Of course our attention as a society needs to help them for the sake of society but an eternal seat in the celestial five star seems a far stretch for the murdered victim who had no time to repent! I could go on but time limits us here.

I was brought up by two loving and precious parents who remain so to today. I'm extremely fortunate I know. They have an easy conscience because their path to heaven is assured and straightforward. So what do you do when you find it impossible to believe in that concept?

Faith to give, I think, is all. Taking the time to place yourself in society and see how you can best help. It is the self alienation of individuals from the world within they live that to me is the real crime of anyone. For many years the upbringing I had shunned real time with the real world as they had no time for this as they were too busy in commitment with their God when in fact, and I've seen a wonderful sea change here in these churches, people needed them.

Many who have faith do give of their time and indeed life, but often with a clear purpose to win souls. It reminds me of a political party who constantly harass and harang so that you may go on their journey with them. Have a different view and at best you are a puzzle to them. At worst you are a waste of time.

Of course I regularly fail in my faith, using time and money to service my self over those I could be helping. The Nepal disaster stares me in the face and yet what have I done about it, really done about it? Today I must.

Society, mankind, needs you and I. Not as who is best at being self righteous but rather who is best at not being self orientated at all. Such a personality trait taints everything you touch, soils it, making the giving less wholesome, less pure.

Have the best of days and remember, you matter. You, and what you do, really matter.

A X