In Christianity, sin is an immoral act and transgression of divine law.[1] The doctrine of sin is central to the Christian faith, since its basic message is about redemption in Christ.[2]
Hamartiology, a branch of Christian theology which is the study of sin,[3] describes sin as an act of offence against God by despising his persons and Christian biblical law, and by injuring others.[4] Christian hamartiology is closely related to concepts of natural law, moral theology and Christian ethics.
Among some scholars, sin is understood mostly as legal infraction or contract violation of non-binding philosophical frameworks and perspectives of Christian ethics, and so salvation tends to be viewed in legal terms. Other Christian scholars understand sin to be fundamentally relational—a loss of love for the Christian God and an elevation of self-love ("concupiscence", in this sense), as was later propounded by Augustine in his debate with the Pelagians.[5] As with the legal definition of sin, this definition also affects the Christian understanding of grace and salvation, which are thus viewed in relational terms.[6]
- ^ "sin". Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved 28 August 2017.
- ^ Rahner, p. 1588
- ^ "Hamartiology - Define Hamartiology at Dictionary.com". Dictionary.com. Retrieved 20 November 2014.
- ^ Sabourin, p. 696
- ^ On Grace and Free Will (see Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, trans. P.Holmes, vol. 5; 30–31 [14–15]).
- ^ For a historical review of this understanding, see R.N.Frost, "Sin and Grace", in Paul L. Metzger, Trinitarian Soundings, T&T Clark, 2005.