What is Truth? Sin?

What is truth? Sin?

(answering a question about homosexuality)

I was always taught (by church, family, et al.) that sin is sin--no sin is any better or worse than any other sin. That's what I was taught, but it certainly isn't how "my teachers" lived. Their lives and attitudes showed clear evidence of the belief that homosexuality was most definitely one of the "bad" (or worst) sins. Even though they failed to live what they taught, I accepted it. For that reason, I have never been particulary "horrified" by homosexuality--no more so than I have ever been by adultry, lying, etc. Which is: not much or not at all (even as I strived to be a strict adherent to the very conservative Christian beliefs I was taught growing up, and from which I have now walked a million miles away).

My grandmother has always said: "The truth will stand when the world is on fire." The truth is the truth is the truth. BUT, people differ greatly in their interpretation of the truth, with each convinced that his/her interpretation is THE correct interpretation. Personally, I think it is the same with sin--what one would or would not consider sin. I know there are certain things the majority of religious adherents would consider sin, but with the many different sects within Christianity, with each interpreting the bible differently; then adding Judaism, Islam, et al. into the equation, there are bound to be many differing opinions on just what constitutes sin.

We should all be allowed to hold and express our beliefs and opinions without *fear, but no one should be forced to accept another's opinion as truth. Acknowledging and respecting the fact that others may have strong, sincere convictions the complete opposite of our own would go a long way toward fulfilling the Golden Rule of "do unto others as you would have them to do unto you" (it would also keep the bitch that is Karma at bay). While we may retain a degree of bias in our role as adherents of a particular religion, our role as family members, friends (neighbors, co-workers and so on) should evidence respect for an individual's personal beliefs. By doing so, we could truly eliminate discrimination based on one's religious views, lack thereof or any of the myriad of causes of prejudice and bias (and rid ourselves of political correctness as well--I loathe political correctness). "I do not believe that any words or terms whatsoever should be beyond the reach of a writer or anyone else for reasons of political correctness. The masses are controlled through controlling their language, which in turn controls the concepts they are capable of grasping." ~Joe Bageant

When we get down to basics there are fewer "absolute" truths compared to the many beliefs, opinions, theories and assumptions, both good and bad. We would all do well to remain true to our personal beliefs and allow others to do the same, without interference. The activities in which an individual chooses to engage, in the privacy of his/her own home [unless harming another], is the business of no one else. But, just as one's personal rights should always be respected, one should never be forced to fund, approve or encourage actions he/she strongly opposes or believes to be wrong. Can't we just all get along? ~grin~

* I wish, sometimes, that some people could be forced to mind their own business and keep their ignorant-assed, biased opinions to themselves when it comes to particular/individual people and situations. And yes, I realize that some folks would say this is already happening, thanks to political correctness. I disagree. The proponents of political correctness want to police everyone's speech, in every situation, all the time. And I really have no desire to get along with them. Actually, I rather enjoy saying, writing and/or doing any/everything I can to annoy them. ~smile~