Biblically, Is There Such a Thing as Communal Sin?

Last updated on: April 3, 2017 at 10:01 am by Rebecca Florence Miller

Biblically, Is There Such a Thing as Communal Sin? 2017-04-03T10:01:21-06:00 Rebecca Florence Miller

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While Americans laud the work done with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa after the end of apartheid, there has always been widespread resistance to and/or disinterest in doing anything similar in this country. A gaping wound is not healed because the white community–much of it Christian–refuses to repent of what was done. But Scripture teaches us that it is entirely appropriate to confess and repent of the sins of our ancestors, not just our own sins, or just the sins committed today.

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”–Matthew 11:21-24 NIV

In this passage, Jesus laments the sin of cities who have refused to turn to him as Messiah, despite the miracles that have been done in their presence. He promises judgment will come to these cities, even as Old Testament cities were judged for rejecting the one true God. He seems to be even more harsh with these cities since they are made up of believing people, people who should know better (circle back to 2 Chronicles 7:14).

Questions for Discussion

Hopefully, I’ve convincingly established that communal sin is a real thing, biblically speaking. If we can agree that Christians ought to repent of both communal and individual sin, how do you think we can combat Western thinking that points to sin only being individual? What are specific communal sins that you see the Church guilty of? What sins of our ancestors might we need to repent of? How might we do that?

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Because this is a Christian blog, the things I’m talking about will obviously be topics that people feel strongly about in one direction or another. Please keep in mind that this is a place for substantive, respectful, constructive conversation. All perspectives are welcome to discuss here as long as all can treat each other with kindness and respect. Please ignore trolls, refuse to engage in personal attacks, try not to derail the conversation into divisive rabbit trails, and observe the comment policy listed on the right side of the page. Comments that violate these guidelines may be deleted. Vulgar remarks may result in immediate blacklisting. For those who clearly violate these policies repeatedly, my policy is to issue a warning which, if not regarded, may lead to blacklisting. This is not about censorship, but about creating a healthy, respectful environment for discussion.

P.S. Please also note that I am not a scientist, but a person with expertise in theology and the arts. While I am very interested in the relationship between science and faith, I do not believe I personally will be able to adequately address the many questions that inevitably come up related to science and religion. I encourage you to seek out the writings of theistic or Christian scientists to help with those discussions.

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Image credit: U-turn by Scott Mels via Flickr. License.

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