Throwing Out “Sin”: Building Secular Ethics Beyond Religion

What does the concept of sin mean if you remove God from the picture? In this episode, atheists wrestle with the idea of sin, exploring whether it should be redefined or abandoned altogether. They discuss cultural norms, ethical responsibility, and the role of sin as a tool of control in religious communities.The conversation also dives into institutional abuse, forgiveness at the “11th hour,” and how secular ethics provide a stronger framework for justice and compassion than theology ever did. 💬 Viewer Question Do you think the word “sin” has any place outside religion, or should we abandon it completely?  📑 Relevant Topics / Chapter Headings  Defining “Sin” Beyond Christianity  Morality as Social Norms and Mores  Ethics vs. Religious Rules  Sin as a Weapon of Control  Institutional Abuse and Forgiveness  Secular Alternatives to “Sin”  📚 Suggested Reading List  Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon by Daniel Dennett — Examines religion from a scientific perspective, explaining how natural processes shape belief. https://amzn.to/45JWYZf Godless Americana: Race and Religious Rebels by Sikivu Hutchinson — Explores race, gender, and atheism, focusing on the Black atheist experience. https://amzn.to/45iA2yD Faith Versus Fact: Why Science and Religion Are Incompatible by Jerry A. Coyne — A sharp look at why religion and science clash, especially on origins and evidence. https://amzn.to/3IUdXibVisit us at www.Atheistville.com  for more content from Mike Smithgall and the Atheistville team 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@atheistville 💬 Want to be a guest or submit a question? Drop us a note at CONTACTCheck us out at: https://atheistville.buzzsprout.com  🔥 New episodes weekly from Atheistville — Mike Drop with Mike Smithgall, Ask an Atheist, and The Unholy Roundtable, Breakfast With a Heathen © 2025-2026 Atheistville Media