What does the concept of sin mean if you remove God from the picture? In this episode, atheists wrestle with the idea of sin, exploring whether it should be redefined or abandoned altogether. They discuss cultural norms, ethical responsibility, and the role of sin as a tool of control in religious communities.
The conversation also dives into institutional abuse, forgiveness at the “11th hour,” and how secular ethics provide a stronger framework for justice and compassion than theology ever did.
💬 Viewer Question
Do you think the word “sin” has any place outside religion, or should we abandon it completely?
📑 Relevant Topics / Chapter Headings
Defining “Sin” Beyond Christianity
Morality as Social Norms and Mores
Ethics vs. Religious Rules
Sin as a Weapon of Control
Institutional Abuse and Forgiveness
Secular Alternatives to “Sin”
📚 Suggested Reading List
Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon by Daniel Dennett — Examines religion from a scientific perspective, explaining how natural processes shape belief.
https://amzn.to/45JWYZf
Godless Americana: Race and Religious Rebels by Sikivu Hutchinson — Explores race, gender, and atheism, focusing on the Black atheist experience.
https://amzn.to/45iA2yD
Faith Versus Fact: Why Science and Religion Are Incompatible by Jerry A. Coyne — A sharp look at why religion and science clash, especially on origins and evidence.
https://amzn.to/3IUdXib
Visit us at www.Atheistville.com for more content from Mike Smithgall and the Atheistville team
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