Programme 4: Guilt‑Edged Religion

Priestland s Progress

Gerald takes a long hard look at sin, but doesn’t wallow in it! He discovers that sin may be the inevitable consequence of God giving us free will. Yet “we are all guilty”, says the Church. Isn’t this a bit unfair? In an ideal world, there would be no sin; would there be any room for forgiveness – or love?

Questions:

1. Some say that sin is missing the mark, what else is it?
2. Like pain, guilt is a warning that all is not well. How do we respond to guilt in ourselves – in others? Do we deny it’s there? How do we stop it dragging us down?
3. Individual confession and absolution is used much less than it used to be. Why do you think this is? Is it a good thing or a bad thing?
4. Is Christianity more about healing wounds than keeping rules?

“Guilt should do nothing to your basic goodness, to your basic self-esteem. It should not separate you from the source of your love and it should not destroy. It is a warning both emotional and spiritual that you are temporarily out of touch with the source of your love.”       

Jack Dominian