Abstract
Sin is a term often misunderstood, perceived negatively, simply not spoken about, or misused. However, the doctrine of sin is central to understanding the gospel. The objective of this research is to explore the problems and possibilities in speaking about sin in 21st-century Aotearoa (New Zealand) and to offer constructive suggestions for contemporary sin-talk. A missional imperative lies at the heart of this objective: that the church might faithfully articulate the gospel in contemporary society. This thesis is a work of practical theology, wherein qualitative research is used alongside biblical and theological insights to examine the practice of sin-talk amongst Anglican priests in Aotearoa.
Sin is described in complex and varied ways in Scripture, and these can be grouped into major themes. Sin is framed relationally, particularly in relation to God. Sin is part of a broader theological anthropology: humanity is created good, yet sin describes a defection from this good. Finally, sin exists alongside God’s determination to overcome it. The doctrine of sin emerges from a reading of Scripture, and an especially important text is Genesis 3. This thesis reflects on readings of Genesis 3, the notion of the fall, and what is at stake in discussions of original sin. Following an Augustinian shape, this thesis argues for a minimalist doctrine comprising four key aspects: sin as a corruption of creation, sin as universal in scope, sin as a relational category, and sin as a secondary doctrine related to salvation.
Sin-talk is fraught with difficulty in contemporary society. This thesis examines the context of secularism, particularly the turn from the transcendent to the immanent and a morality that has a Christian shape but is divorced from its theological roots. Consequently, the doctrine of sin is frequently trivialised, moralised, and misused.
The research found that Anglican priests in Aotearoa largely saw the doctrine of sin as important and yet difficult to speak about. They spoke about connection points for sin-talk, particularly that the doctrine of sin can have descriptive power to name human experience. They spoke about barriers to sin-talk, such as the word “sin” being misunderstood, people bringing baggage to the term, sin being viewed as a primarily moral concept, and hypocritical and harmful uses of the doctrine. They reflected on the art of communicating sin, such as being sensitive to context, taking care when using the word, and building bridges by being vulnerable about one’s own sin.
With such possibilities and problems in mind, this thesis contends that sin-talk is necessary for gospel proclamation and that it must be done seriously, compassionately, and with humility. This thesis argues that sin-talk in the 21stcentury is best framed relationally to counter trivialised and moralised notions of sin and to avoid the baggage that comes with the term due to harmful or distorted uses of the doctrine. Additionally, a relational framing of sin connects with contemporary yearnings for identity and relationship expressed in a sense of alienation from God, creation, others, and oneself.