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Sunday, July 20, 2003

By Janice Crompton, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Christianity's focus on the concept of good and evil and sin and redemption may be a turn-off for some parishioners, but it's a necessity for a successful society, according to the Rev. Rodney L. Petersen, executive director of the Boston Theological Institute.

"I think most people are aware ... when they've done something wrong," said Petersen, author and editor of several religious books.

Acknowledging sins, such as lying, helps society grow and fosters a sense of trust.

"When we don't tell the truth, we make it harder for society to exist," Petersen said. "It undermines the possibilities for social order."

Still, focusing too much on sin can create an added burden for someone already feeling guilt and drive them from the church. It's essential to recognize sin, Petersen said, then move toward becoming a better person.

Sin not only undermines social order, it "takes away part of our soul," Petersen said.

"We diminish ourselves as persons," he said.

The idea behind sin and redemption can be traced to the basic tenet of most religions in the world -- that "creation was made good," according to Petersen, and that society has departed from that goodness.

The Christian church's role is to acknowledge that failure and "to continue to call us back to the essential goodness of things," Petersen said. Christianity recognizes that there is "something unhealthy about us," he said.

"Redemption is all about how we find that way to health."

Most Christian denominations today do not focus on good and evil, but on avoiding sin. Still, there is confusion among parishioners over the interpretations of sin and, more specifically, the "radicalness" of a sin, Petersen said.

While one sin may be considered a serious breach in Catholicism, for example, the same act may be considered fairly minor in another denomination. That multiplicity can lead to alienation and a lack of credibility in churches.

"I think it's very easy to fail to identify with the needs of parishioners," Petersen said. It can leave pastors and priests as "a class of people detached from the spirituality of everyday life." Their message may not resonate with how people live their lives today.

The division among churches "has hurt the idea of redemption," Petersen said. It makes the ecumenical movement in churches all the more important, he said. Referring to the Greek word meaning "whole world," ecumenical ministry helps to heal the division among churches and to bring together ideas. It's especially important in the 21st century, with so many major advances in science and genetics, Petersen said. Physics has produced theories of the "big bang," along with quantum mechanics, while the human genome project spawns concerns over what constitutes human life.

Such a revolution, unforeseen even three generations ago, questions the role of religion in modern society.

"Everybody is religious" in their own way, Petersen said, and churches need to help people find their evangelical path. The need for spirituality still is strong despite modern challenges.

Janice Crompton can be reached at jcrompton@post-gazette.com or 724-223-0156.