Why don't you 'sin'? (Jesus Christ, moral, abstinence, doom, choice)

[tomspug]

For those of you that believe in sin, why do you try not to commit them? In other words, do you choose not to do things because you are TOLD not to do them, or do you choose not to do things because you think that they are harmful?

For example, you might say that having sex outside of marriage is 'wrong', but what is your reasoning? Because you are 'supposed to' or do you think there is a benefit to abstinence?

I'm sure most of us would answer the second choice, but if you were really honest, are there any 'sins' that you actually don't know why they are wrong?

[Captain Civic]

The dumb thing for me is that a lot of the time (at least in the past) if I was told something was sinful but didn't really see why, I'd do it anyway. But every time, I've always said "Geez I wish I listened in the first place" because I always end up screwing myself over. It's like I have to know why it's bad first hand before I'll leave it. Incredibly annoying.

[Somkid]

I don't believe in "sin" but I guess Karma is kind of like that. There are a lot of Buddhist precepts similar to the 10 commandments such as not to kill, not to steal, not to have improper sex, etc. it is a moral code not necessarily right or wrong but just something we try to follow to make us better people.

[Sola'lor]

I try not to sin because of the benefits God has said will come to me. I will be blessed. Christ's atonement will apply to me and I will be able to return to live with God.

[tomspug]

Originally Posted by Sola'lor

I try not to sin because of the benefits God has said will come to me. I will be blessed. Christ's atonement will apply to me and I will be able to return to live with God.

But why does God not want us to sin?

[Sola'lor]

I believe because a sinnful (imperfect) person is incompatable with the realm where God dwells. It is impossible for an imperfect form to dwell in the perfect realm where God lives. Only through following the path God has given us, through Jesus Christ, can become perfect. That's why I believe it's important to avoid sin so that Christ's atonment will be apllicable to us. Thus we can become perfect through Him and be able to return to live with God.

[tomspug]

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your view of Christ's Atonement. Do you even know what the word 'atonement' means? Also, what's all this stuff about perfection? Did Jesus even use the word perfect once in his teachings?

I think that if you try to be 'perfect' you are doomed to failure and hypocrisy. It is best simply to serve with the acknowledgment that you cannot help but sin. We do the best we can, but we should never delude ourselves that we can somehow be anywhere close to 'perfect' on our own.

[stephenw]

Tom,
I'm a Christian of sorts. I don't believe in original sin. Sin isn't a flaw inherited at birth. The idea of sin as dissonance is one that clicks with me. Sin for me isn't about perfection or wrongdoing, it's about being out of tune.
I see Christianity as potentially providing a path to bring us into tune. But as I'm not a literalist my views may not be of much use to any other than me.

[zenzero]

Friend Tomspug,
There is nothing as SIN or No-sin. Good or evil.
If one does something and his concience does not feel good it is instantaneous punishment. If not and he enjoys doing it, fine. Finally one has to be do without doing that is doing without any desire of any results for doing the job. Just doing for doing sake.
Love & rgds

Friend Somkid,

I don't believe in "sin" but I guess Karma is kind of like that. There are a lot of Buddhist precepts similar to the 10 commandments such as not to kill, not to steal, not to have improper sex, etc. it is a moral code not necessarily right or wrong but just something we try to follow to make us better people.

Sorry to state that if one does something without understanding then also it is not going to help.
Reason is simple.
Traditionally many hindus / jainas do not eat meat. Since they have never tasted it they do not cook or eat at their homes but due to friend circle or some other reason some taste it and like it and then start doing so without the notice of their families. Similarly unless if you have something you cannot give it away [remember the one about GIVING] First one must have it to give. Similarly if you know something and still remain unattached to it then it helps in your karma.
Love & rgds

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by tomspug

I'm sorry, but I don't understand your view of Christ's Atonement. Do you even know what the word 'atonement' means? Also, what's all this stuff about perfection? Did Jesus even use the word perfect once in his teachings?

I think that if you try to be 'perfect' you are doomed to failure and hypocrisy. It is best simply to serve with the acknowledgment that you cannot help but sin. We do the best we can, but we should never delude ourselves that we can somehow be anywhere close to 'perfect' on our own.

I wonder if LDS know the meaning of the word atonement better than anyone else. The word is only used a few times in the Bible, but it's used many times in the Book of Mormon. We are taught thoroughly, repeatly about the atonement. The atonement is central to our gospel.

Perfection? "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect." Matt. 5:48

You are right that we are doomed from the start if we expect to achieve perfection in this life. We all sin. Perfection is impossible for all of us except Christ. However, we do the best we can. Christ's atonement (his grace) makes up the difference. Our best efforts (which includes repentance and endurance), combined with Christ's atonement, achieves perfection.