Sin

Interesting passage... Not entirely sure what to make of it yet. But, just to get things started here, here\'s my take: Sin is not so much betrayal of God, but betrayal of the self by turning away from our primary source of life, which is God. Basically, it is self segregation from the essence of the universe, and by extension, the universe itself, which is a manifestation of God, who is the essence of the universe. So basically, sin is segregation of one\'s self from the rest of Creation and God, thereby creating disunity and upsetting the balance of the universe, even if in a small way for a short period of time. Okay, that was long-winded, verbose concept. But hopefully it made enough sense. As to how that idea fits with Fr. Schmemann\'s passage, that remains to be debated.

ROMANS CHAPTER 5 [12] Therefore as sin came into the world through one man and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned -- [13] sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. [14] Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. [15] But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man\'s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift in the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. [16] And the free gift is not like the effect of that one man\'s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. [17] If, because of one man\'s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. [18] Then as one man\'s trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man\'s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. [19] For as by one man\'s disobedience many were made sinners, so by one man\'s obedience many will be made righteous. [20] Law came in, to increase the trespass; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, [21] so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Sin is not so much betrayal of God, but betrayal of the self by turning away from our primary source of life, which is God.YES... Basically, it is self segregation from the essence of the universe, and by extension, the universe itself, which is a manifestation of God, who is the essence of the universe.I WOULD TREAD LIGHTLY ON THIS... GOD IS 3 PERSONS UNITED IN ONE BEYOND \'THE ESSENCE OF THE UNIVERSE So basically, sin is segregation of one\'s self from the rest of Creation and God, thereby creating disunity and upsetting the balance of the universe, even if in a small way for a short period of time. (A state of non-existence) St. Maximus

If one really sits there and examines it in a certain light, sin is a selfish act since by sinning one disobeys God\'s commandments and, in most cases, does against his brother as he would not have done unto himself ....... therefore placing oneself above God and fellow man. In today\'s world which is so self-centered and, if you wish, strives to make the individual \\"feel special\\" ....... Schmemann is on point !