Approaching the West — Page 97
A pproaching the West—97 7 What is Sin? Search of a Definition among Religions Sin has many names and many forms: It could be a hidden thought, a word expressed, or an act committed or omitted. Some may see it as impurity of soul, a moral offence, an ungodly or unholy deed. The concept of sin varies quite widely among different belief systems. There are those who believe in one God, others in many, and some in none, but in one way or the other, they all believe in the presence of sin. For those who have faith in the existence of God and accept His authority over human affairs, it may seem easy to answer what sin is. God has clearly spoken to His chosen ones and revealed His Will, telling them the difference between right and wrong, what to do, and what not to do. Anything that is against a commandment of God is a sin. It is like committing a crime in the realm of God–an act of omission of what He wants the believer to do; or a disobedient commission or rebellion against what He forbids! For example, in the Torah, God makes it clear,