The Importance of Sin

We're generally taught nowadays to think very well of ourselves - and look with horror at religions' suggestions that we conceive of ourselves as 'sinners'. Yet, paradoxically, thinking of yourself as by nature a little sinful can lie at the origins of some very fine and noble traits of character.

FURTHER READING

“One of the strangest ideas bequeathed to us by religion is the notion that it might be wise and socially beneficial to think of ourselves as being, every one of us, sinners.
This seems, at first glance, both patently untrue – and deeply unhelpful. The vast majority of us have committed no particularly egregious crime and might feel understandably targeted and shamed to have to carry such a dark and archaic title. Furthermore, a burden of non-specific guilt seems like a sure route to damaged morale and a hounded personality.”

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CREDITS

Produced in collaboration with:

Vale Productions

Title animation produced in collaboration with

Vale Productions

[xXTheLigitGamersXx]

The worst people are those who think they are perfect, and if anything bad happens to them, it’s someone else’s fault.

[nicholasyoung]

This is absolutely amazing. Most of us need to eat a piece of humble pie every morning.

[MosesEmmet]

The only people who are technically “good” are those who are honest enough with themselves to consider that they are ANYTHING but perfect.... love it!

[rea]

Perfect video! The only person you should compare yourself to is yesterday's self. And we all have plenty of things to improve.

When I judge others I ask myself, why is this bothering me? It is usually because I have that same problem and I haven't dealt with it yet.

[Diggles]

“Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” John 8:7 KJV - very powerful argument that one!

[josephedmond]

I agree. Acknowledging your sin makes you less judgemental and fixating on your righteousness makes you more judgemental. The more I doubt my own character the more accepting I become of others.

[RashidMBey]

I'm sure no one will read this, but I think I'll make a point to say it anyway after many confused comments.

It's important to distinguish that this video aligns itself with self-reflection as opposed to self-righteousness. The key words are ALL sinners (or to phrase it with less religiosity, flawed), which defeats the judgment many have for the "other" side and equips us with the awareness to speak humbly, patiently, and compassionately, especially since we're just as moronic on other topics as we see others with this one. At its core, it is philosophically christian and not culturally christian.

[piusmorgenstern]

Humility is the foundation of a meaningful life

[ChessMasteryOfficial]

*No tree, it is said, can grow to heaven unless its roots reach down to hell. ₩*

[TheGerogero]

As I have come to "think of myself as a sinner" where I used to experience shame, I tend to experience guilt instead, which is much more manageable.

[tmia]

you hear someone state, "I am a good person, " run fast and run far. They will lack the introspect to ever find guilt in themselves and you will pay for EVERY sin!

[hyperspacejester]

... but I say that even as the holy and the righteous cannot rise beyond the highest which is in each one of you... so the wicked and the weak cannot fall lower than the lowest which is in you also. - Khalil Gibran 🤔

[titlespree]

Thinking that one can't sin or make mistakes is quite .. arrogant. Which, in turn, is also a sin/mistake.

[acidiccaterpillar]

But what if we are so petrified of being righteous, of being inconsiderate oblivious to the needs of others and exploitative that we create a self concept that we are nothing but the catalyst of all corruption? And that the only moments we are able to realize that the only reason we feel this way is because our phobia of being percieved as the opposite are fleeting and insubstantial.

Also, your narrators have the most beautiful voices, it always makes me feel at ease, even when they might make me contemplate my own horrific congnitively devised turmoil.

[jonathanmendoza]

This REALLY hit close to home for me. Thanks, School of Life, for always helping me to gain new perspectives and really reflect on who I am, and who I want to be. It's really nice to have such humbling experiences.

[pattycake]

I was more righteous when I was younger.
As we age/grow we recognize our true selfs; thankfully 😅

[RainierKine]

Dr. Jackyll and Mr. Hyde

"After all, I reflected, I was like my neighbours; and then I smiled, comparing myself with other men, comparing my active goodwill with the lazy cruelty of their neglect. And at the very moment of that vain-glorious thought, a qualm came over me, a horrid nausea and the most deadly shuddering. These passed away, and left me faint;
and then as in its turn the faintness subsided, I began to be aware of a change in the temper of my thoughts, a greater boldness, a contempt of danger, a solution of the bonds of obligation. I looked down; my clothes hung formlessly on my shrunken limbs; the hand that lay on my knee was corded and hairy. I was once more Edward Hyde." ~ Jackyll upon transforming

[grecko]

I learned this morning a co-worker was caught doing something shameful and the story is spreading. I remembered watching this when it came out and so am sharing with some friends this morning. This would be a great message for us all to keep in mind today.

[donaldesposito]

Thank you for your time effort and energy. I just wish that the people, who need to hear this the most, would seek out information like this.

[graemeroberts]

Wonderful! I have never thought beyond mentally accusing people of self-righteousness and hypocrisy, but now I can readily see the dangers of that mentality, thanks to you.