September 22, 2019
I’ve made a
new friend through yoga named Janet. Several of us regulars often go to lunch
after our Saturday morning class. As I get to know Janet, I’m finding out what
a neat person she is, and I resonate with her approach to spirituality. Many
years ago she earned a Master of Divinity from Princeton University and then served
as a minister in a Presbyterian church for 2 years. She is no longer a pastor
but part of her rigorous training included studying Greek. I don’t remember
how, but our last conversation led to a discussion of sin.
Janet
explained that one of the Greek words used in the New Testament for the word translated
into English as “sin” is an archery term. It means that the archer is “missing
the mark” of the target she is aiming to hit.
I was
immediately struck by the contrast with my Southern Baptist upbringing that
emphasized the belief that I am a sinner. While I will be the first to admit
that I often make mistakes, I no longer subscribe to the notion that I am
somehow not good enough simply because I am human and have flaws. I am not my
behavior, just like a child who is misbehaving is not bad. The acting out is
what needs to be adjusted. Believing that I am unacceptable at the core (i.e.,
a sinner), at least in my experience, only promoted a deep sense of shame. It has taken
me a long time to challenge this teaching and its subsequent result that left
me feeling that I am not good enough.
Here’s to simply redrawing my bow with a
second arrow the next time I miss my mark.
NN