Faith and Sin: Christianity Isn’t Just a Moral Code

On this solo episode of the Brian Maples Podcast (August 20, 2025), Brian Maples tackles recent news, culture, and confusion about sin, salvation, and what it really means to know God. He opens by reacting to headlines — including comments about Donald Trump and heaven — and uses them to launch a deeper discussion about how Christians and the larger culture misunderstand faith, works, and morality.

Brian critiques modern theological education and church hiring practices that prize academic credentials over an actual, living relationship with God. He distinguishes theology (study about God) from knowing God personally, and argues that much of the church’s division comes from doctrinal confusion rather than from born-again believers. Using Scripture throughout (Hebrews 11:6; John 6:27–29; 1 John 3:23; Romans; Galatians; 1 Corinthians), he emphasizes that the New Testament centers on faith — believing in Jesus — and loving others, not merely following a legal checklist of moral behaviors.

The episode explores the origin of sin and the fall (Adam and Eve), the difference between sinful acts and the deeper fallen nature, and why salvation is by faith, not by works. Brian addresses common contemporary church fixations — sexual strictures, public moralizing, and hypocrisy — and gives historical and biblical context (e.g., temple prostitution in Corinth) to explain why New Testament commands must be read in their context.

A frank segment focuses on sexuality: pornography, masturbation, sexual addiction, and how churches have often mishandled these issues. Brian argues against condemnation and legalistic rules while insisting believers should pursue holiness through the Spirit. He explains Galatians 5’s flesh-versus-Spirit dynamics, 1 Corinthians 6’s list of unrighteous behaviors, and affirms that genuine conversion changes identity even as believers still wrestle with fleshly desires.

Key takeaways: salvation is received by faith in Jesus (not by moral perfection); the New Covenant’s primary commandments are to believe in Christ and love one another; spiritual power comes from being led by the Spirit, not from policing private behavior; and the church must prioritize knowing God and demonstrating Spirit-led results rather than elevating academic theology or moral posturing. This episode is a candid, scripture-driven call to rethink how Christians address sin, sexuality, and authentic spiritual life.