When I sin, I am challenging the authority of God.

I am setting myself up as a law unto myself, and that's serious business.

God would have every right to snuff out the life of every person who rebells against him.

Right, doesn't he?

I think what is basically characteristic of our thinking is the idea that sin is not a serious thing.

Not really.

Some sins may be indeed serious, but in general, we think of sin in terms of what's being a pakadello.

Little inconsequential boys will be boys type of sin.

However, in the smallest sin, nothing less than cosmic treason is involved.

If I steal a piece of bread, if I see the speed limit, if I say one unkind word towards my neighbor,

all that's involved in that act is very, very serious indeed.

God designed this creation in such a way as that man was to love his neighbor as himself,

and to love God with all of his heart, all of his mind, all of his strength, and all the rest.

But there was to be peace, and preservation of life, and harmony between men, and between men and God,

and that the universe was supposed to operate according to the reign and to the rule of God.

Which reign is just?

Without sin in the world, there is no injustice.

There is no pain.

There is no disharmony.

There is no war.

There is no suffering.

All the rest.

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