Perspectives on Sin and Guilt

The contemporary Irish context presents a totally changed, and still changing, religious, political and cultural landscape, which has undoubtedly affected attitudes, beliefs and practices of people across generations. From being a sin-dominated, guilt-ridden culture, Ireland appears to have emerged as a comparatively sinless society, at least on an individual level, with sin and guilt being confined to the collective arena. After examining theological and biblical perspectives on sin and guilt from an evangelical standpoint and outlining the major shifts in societal thinking on these concepts, this piece of research records and analyses data obtained during interviews with young evangelicals, to ascertain to what extent contemporary cultural views and/or their church teaching and experience have influenced their understanding of sin and guilt. The findings suggest some interesting learning points for current church leaders.

Autorentext

After graduating from Queen's University, Belfast and University of Dundee, Ruth taught in Asia and Dublin, and worked as a Social Worker in hospital and community settings. After early retirement, she completed her MA in Applied Theology in IBI in 2008. Her special interests are the interface between psychology and theology, and her grandchildren.