isn't the notion of sin just an ancient way of forcing humans to cooperate?

Question

obviously, sin is a human invention, like god, and was and still is used to control behaviors...otherwise, people would just run amok...we are animals after all...but at least in modern governments, the word sin has been changed to the word law. that's progress, right?...

Answer 1

Yup. You know, in some ways I'd believe in God more if his rules were more unlikely. Like, if you worship me, you can only wear powder blue. Or, Thou Shalt Not Hopscotch.

But the rules are too practical. The 10 commandments basically set up a stable society. No stealing, no killing, no eyeballing the wife of the guy who lives across the street. It's all so pragmatic in fact...you'd think PEOPLE came up with it...

Answer 2

Some of the "Biblical" sins, such as those involving harm or deception to others, are behaviors not tolerated in a wide range of social animals. Obviously, the notion of the sinfulness of these behaviors evolved long before humans authored "Sacred" texts.

Other "sins," such as not working on the Sabbath were obviously a more recent cultural invention developed during the rise of agricultural farming, but as culture has continued to change, requiring many people (doctors, police, ballplayers, etc.) to work on the Sabbath, it is no longer considered a sin.

Still other "sins" such as not worshipping other gods, likewise a recent human invention, while originally adaptive in reinforcing adherence to tribal norms, thus fostering social cohesiveness, have become maladaptive in today's world, becoming the cause of much intolerance, hatred and strife.

Answer 3

The person who said sin means missing the mark is correct. People usually associate sin with behavior only but God told Adam that creation itself went from being perfect to missing the mark of perfection. That's why the universe still functions but from time to time we have disasters here on Earth like tornado's, earth quakes etc.
Right and wrong (good and evil )is subjective that's why laws differ in various cultures and societies. Man is capable of doing good however his imperfection makes him fodder for potentially devastating decisions. That's why God said sin is a reproach to ANY people whether you serve God or not.

Answer 4

If sin were a human invention, then tell me who invented it? And who are we cooperating with? Sin convicts you that you fall short of the glory of God. And the wages of sin is death.

People do run amok. Just look at the world in which we live. It is full of every kind of vice you can imagine.

Answer 5

Somewhat. Sin can be considered as an offense against a moral code. But all moral codes derive from evolution, which applies to societies as well as to species: a society which lives by a sound moral code will survive preferably to one that does not. One gets into trouble if one starts ascribing such a code to a deity; since no such thing is demonstrable, there cannot be a universal moral code based on such an idea.

Answer 6

God is not a human invention. Sin is not a human invention. Asserting that God and sin are human inventions is actively suppressing the truth of God that is clearly seen in Creation- His eternal power and Godhead.

Answer 7

Religion in general, was used from its early beginnings as a way for the few to control the masses. It still is today even more so.

Answer 8

That's a stupid thought (in my humble opinion) Sin is real. God set rules and the ability for us to tell the difference between right and wrong for a reason.

For example - We shouldn't cheat on our spouse - it is a sin.
If you do cheat, someone else gets hurt and it starts a whole domino effect on EVERYONE"s life involved in this act.

Answer 9

Exactomundo

Answer 10

people run amok now. The choice is always yours. no one can force your actions. Its a heart change.