29 - Erikson - The Social Dimension of Sin

Question 1

What are the reasons for the difficulty in recognizing social sins?

Answer 1

1. We are not inclined to regard as our own deeds matters in which we do not have a very active choice.
2. We may be so conditioned by membership in a group that our very perception of reality is coloured by it.
3. We may not recognize group selfishness because it may actually involve individual selfishness
4. Our excesses may be much less obvious to us because we are part of a group.
5. The further removed we are from the actual evil, the less real it seems.

Question 2

What is the Bible’s teaching regarding sin and the world?

Answer 2

1. The world as a whole organized system of spiritual force is a fact.
2. the world is under Satan’s control. Although created to serve God, it now is Satan’s kingdom.
3. The world is clearly evil. It has the ability to corrupt whatever it touches.
4. Powerful as the world’s system and ruler, they are doomed.

Question 3

What are 3 strategies for overcoming social sin as mentioned by Erikson?

Answer 3

1. Regeneration
2. Reform
3. Revolution