Sin As A Choice

I think something very important has been lost in the politicized discussions that invoke religion.

While we may all be born sinners we do still have free will and choice in our actions. We do not have lie, cheat, steal or otherwise make very bad choices. Much of the time sin is in fact a choice. It's a reflection of how we behave in various situations. Do we cheat on our spouse when the opportunity arises? That is a choice.

The concept that seems to be lost is that we have to leave people choices. We may not like various behaviors that other people perform but that does not mean it is our job to eliminate that choice. God does not attempt to control us so why do we think we should control others?

We are not here to force everyone to make the right choices. In fact, if we remove the concept of choice, what is left to differentiate between those of us that live well and those of us that don't?

Personally, I feel it is a huge mistake to remove the option for people to make their own choices according to their own views. Perhaps another person is interpreting the message of the Bible better than I. Perhaps birth control is something that is not only appropriate but more desirable than more people living in poverty.

Who really would claim to know the mind of God? How can we have such hubris that we think we know exactly which choices God would prefer everyone make? God has a plan for everyone and what if there might even be exceptions that we do not know about?

Whether or not you use birth control, smoke, drink or otherwise make choices that I may or may not agree with is not important to me. In fact, unless you are acting in a way that directly impacts others in a negative way (and not just through their opinion of your actions) it is not mine to judge.

I would go so far as to suggest that removing choices, attempting to force others to behave as you believe, is wrong. I can't know but I expect it is a sin. You are attempting to remove choices and actions that God intends us to have. Who are you to attempt to coerce others not to sin.

Who are you to decide which choices another human being is offered? We all know we are going to be judged... and some will choose not to act appropriately. It is something we must accept.

And please, no silly arguments, I'm not suggesting that we don't have the right to defend the well being of ourselves, our families or our homes. There is a huge difference between allowing others choices and allowing others to choose to harm you.