Romans 12:23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.
Holy Schnikes! Does this verse say what it appears to be saying? Not all sin is universal? What may be wrong for me is not necessarily wrong for you? Sounds like situational ethics to me.
But I thought the A. Baptists B. Catholics C. Methodists D. Other had the corner on what was sin and what was not. How can "my" or "your" church feel superior if it does not have the inside track on what God condemns as wrong?
In further reading of Romans 14, three things become clear. First, actions which may be sinful for one, may not be sinful for another. Second, I do have a responsibility to others in regards to the choices I make. If something I do or say causes another to "stumble" I am "no longer acting in love". Third, if God convicts me, I need to act. To be convicted and not take action is sin. Guess I had better attend to some specks and quit worrying about planks.
Thought-provoking sidenote- When I mentioned situational ethics in this entry, I did a little research. I have always heard situational ethics derided from the pulpit. "Right is right" and "wrong is wrong" was the mantra. It was interesting to note that according to Wikipedia (not the end-all resource of facts), situational ethics is a Christian ethical theory developed in the 1960s by an Episcopal priest. (see article) Hmmm. . .
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