This weeks Bible Study reflection comes from the inaugural edition of Theology on Tap. Last Saturday 14 formidable theologians got together and discussed the most appropriate question we could think of given the circumstances: Is drinking a sin?
Addressing this question necessitated a definition of sin itself. In the course of the conversation we managed at least six different criteria identifying sin:
1. The Word of God provides the foundation for our moral compass, our sense of right and wrong. There's no arguing that.
The Word of God is read by, and works through, people. People can't help but exist in a specific context which allows them to understand the Word. Therefore we brought up several contextual touch-points which aid us in discerning sin.
2. The effect on one's community helps identify sin. In some cases the Bible appears to say a couple different things about the same act. Proverbs, for instance, warns us about the dangers of drinking and compares imbibing to foolishness. But the Gospel of John tells us that Jesus created immaculate-tasting (and much appreciated) wine at a wedding festival. Place, time, and company seemed to determine the appropriateness of the act as much as the wine itself.
3. Effect on the self is a contributing factor. It's possible to harm or short-change yourself any number of ways, overeating otherwise good food being one of the more obvious. Drinking can be misused this way as well.
4. Pangs of guilt or conscience were mentioned as identifying factors.
5. A person's intent can be important, though we hastened to add that sometimes intentions can be good even for acts that ultimately turn out bad.
6. God's transformational power is a strong force, not to be put aside lightly. Thinking big-picture, if you gather for a good purpose and hold to that, can a few ounces of a fermented beverage overcome that good purpose and his intent for you?
Obviously not all of this came out in systematic fashion. We discussed, debated, shared stories and examples, asked questions of each other while exploring these things. And even after all of that we didn't come up with a definitive answer! "What?!?" you say. "Then what was the point???"
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As the evening's discussion wound down we came to an agreement that identifying sin takes thought and work. It's not as simple as we'd wish. With the vast majority of issues it's not OK to say, "Act X is a sin, everywhere and always" and be done with it.
The thought and work we put into discernment keeps in close connection with God and our community. Becoming detached from either--by quickly identifying sin without a second thought, for instance--robs us of those connections. It also robs us of the ability to perceive crucial contextual keys that point out sin. Properly discerning sin requires us to be active-minded...constantly reviewing scripture and the effect of our actions on self, neighbors, and community.
Making simple, blanket statements about sin becomes an easy way out...a way of avoiding the work we're called to do with the Word and each other. This doesn't mark a strong faith as much as a lazy one. This is exactly how we end up shaking our fingers at Jesus at the wedding banquet. This is exactly how the Pharisees ended up shaking their fingers at Jesus for pretty much everything else he did.
The kind of strength that says, "I know exactly what is a sin and what isn't in all circumstances and I will not be shaken by anyone" ends up a weakness. The declaration remains true only so long as you never encounter any neighbor, community, culture, conscience, intention, or moment of forgiveness that goes beyond what you already know and expect. In other words, it works as long as you limit yourself to interacting with people who think and act like you.
Churches have often celebrated exactly this kind of theological stubbornness as strong and desirable. This is why many Sunday School, Confirmation, and Bible Study participants have had their questions hushed instead of celebrated. It's also how many congregations have evolved into closed communities of the like-minded. Neither reflects God's intention.
I think this is part of the reason the Bible is vague, sometimes contradictory, about certain matters. If faith were as simple as a list of rules then you'd never have to think about it. Once you'd memorized the rules you'd never need to consult God or think about your neighbor again. Oh wait...what was that greatest commandment again?
Some folks will probably be aghast to discover that we find faith, grace, forgiveness, and even identifying sin an exploratory process requiring effort and discussion instead of a fait accompli. Some will be shocked to find that when asked, "Is beer a sin?" we responded, "We can give an answer right now but that's not the only answer possible. We'll have to work on that answer and keep working on it until we finally get to rest at the end of our days and God takes care of it." Some might stand amazed that we dared talk God over beer in the first place! But you know what? The whole thing was a vibrant, faith-filled, and holy process which built our relationship with God and with each other. It got us thinking about the real work required to define and pursue a life of holiness. Hopefully it also encouraged us to engage in that work with each other. That alone was worth the price of admission.
I raise a glass (metaphorical, this time) to all who participated in this wonderful evening. Thanks for teaching us so much. I look forward to seeing you again in December at the Parkins homestead for another engaging evening.
--Pastor Dave (pastordave@geneseelutheranparish.org)
