When I was growing up, in Sunday school they taught us about the unforgivable sin. Looking back, I think it was a ploy to keep us in line. Actually, pretty smart.
Photo Credit: Beth Rankin
Because of certain statements of Jesus it was taking the Lord’s name in vain. So all good Christian boys followed the rule that no matter what happened it was ok to swear like a sailor but don’t use God’s name in vain.
Actually that lesson took. If I still hit my thumb with a hammer I can use very colorful language but never that one.
Then later on suicide was added to the list. If suicide is a sin then when you commit it you obviously can’t ask for forgiveness.
Seriously, that one became troubling to me because of friends who’ve committed suicide.
Then in seminary the enlightened ones expanded that list to include any sin which you hadn’t asked forgiveness for.
That got a little oppressive. Frankly, there were days I just couldn’t keep up.
I found myself living in a kind of suspended fear.
Wondering, “Did I commit some sin I don’t remember? Am I in or out?”
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