Constructing a Contemporary Theology of Sin: A Challenge for Contemporary Theologians

Abstract

How should contemporary theologians understand sin? On the one hand, sin is seen as an imperfection; the human being, on the other hand, is by nature and essence good, sound and whole. Simply put, we might either accept every doctrine of sin as a mystery or discard every notion of sin because of its seemingly intrinsic contradiction. In this paper, I shall argue that to understand sin today, we ought to examine the Scriptural account uncover its suppositions, look at their method and logic of thinking, lay bare its biases and judge its conclusions in light of and in relation to the contemporary situation and experience of sin. Also, that African traditional world-view of sin particularly its accent on concreteness of sin is another significant dimension in the quest to understand what sin is today. Lastly, that tremendous inspiration can be drawn from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s insights on sin as codified in his book, The Spiritual Exercises. These three dimensions can aid us in the quest for a contemporary and relevant theology of sin.