Belief Without Baggage | Sin
from Arapaho UMC Hosted by Aaron Manes
What if sin isn’t about pristine holiness but rather preventing harm—to ourselves, others, and the world around us? This reimagined understanding sees sin the way John Wesley did: as harm, or, in the words of Cornelius Plantinga as a "culpable disturbance of shalom," a disruption of the peace, flourishing, and wholeness God desires for all creation. Instead of lists of dos and don’ts, sin becomes a deeper call to recognize the harm we cause and to join God’s work of healing and restoration. Jesus, far from reinforcing shame or exclusion, modeled radical love and inclusion, breaking down barriers and inviting everyone into belonging and flourishing. In this view, repentance (teshuvah) is not about guilt trips or fear but about returning to who we are meant to be—beloved, creative, and whole. By embracing this call to cultivate shalom, we discover a faith that is not burdensome but liberating, empowering us to heal the brokenness in our lives and the world. In the end, the story isn’t about judgment—it’s about returning home to love and flourishing.
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