What is the difference between a sin and an abomination? Anyone know for sure?

Answer 1

There are degrees of severity based on the amount of damage done and it must be determined the intent of the crime (sin). For example; my wife asked me if I think she is fat. How should I answer this question? If I say yes then she might think I don't love her any more but if I say no then I risk not being totally honest. I mean she has given birth to three kids and has put on a few pounds but I still love her. So, if I lie and say No, perhaps she will have no motivation to lose weight which could impact her health and there could be harm in that making it a sin. If I say yes, then it could harm our relationship making that a sin.

An abomination is something which is intended to do harm for personal gain. I think of Enron for example where lies were told and lots of money made, mansions bought to shelter those who lied from justice, people were cheated out of their life savings and for what? because someone was greedy and unable to tell the truth.

See the difference in these two types of lies? One might be excusable but the other which was purposeful deception clearly is not excusable. One considers another persons feelings and the other crushes peoples dreams and betrays their trust. So, is it a sin to lie? Perhaps, but doesn't it matter more why a person lied? So, an abomination has to do more with a person's motive. Some deceive to gain wealth and power and do much damage.

Also, some things cause much damage but it is not apparent at first the extent of what harm will come. It might even be considered OK or acceptable. This would be determined by the long term effects of something like alcohol abuse, over-eating or other harmful behaviour. In this case, the abomination is in the overall effect on yourself and those around you, including your children and others who will imitate your behavior.

Now, if you are refering to eating shell-fish, this is more a matter of diseases such as food born illness in much the same way that food born illness is a factor in modern times in that it could impact large numbers of people and therefore be considered an abomination under certain circumstances. Any practice which adversely affects a large portion of a population could be considered abominable. Now, I can eat shellfish and have no problem because we have refrigeration and proper handling of food and an understanding of healthy cooking procedures. But what about those who lived in a time before these things were apparent? One person eats shrimp and is ok but ten more eat it and contract hepatitus or something and spread it to others and many people die. See my point. There are some things which are (or have been) considered an abomination for reasons which are not readily apparent.

Answer 2

A sin is something like breaking the 10 commandments. An abomination is something like eating shrimp or wearing clothes made of 2 different types of fibers. According to the Bible anyway. I feel that the term abomination is somewhat suspect as an English translation!

Answer 3

Nothing.

"Abomination" means "a disgusting thing". Sin is a disgusting thing to the Lord.

"The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD..." (Proverbs 15:9)