Re-Examining Sin
- John Scoble
- Feb 4
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 19
My challenge to you today is to think differently about sin. Sin is a deliberate thought, word, deed or omission contrary to the eternal law of God. However, religious traditions and society have spent too much time on individual sin and insufficient time on collective or institutional sin.
Some years ago, I was shaken out of viewing sin individually by Richard Rohr, who suggested that unchallenged corporate power ultimately becomes demonic. He wrote:
“When Paul talks about the devil, he uses words like “powers,” “principalities,” and “thrones” (see Colossians 1:16).
These are almost certainly his premodern words for what we would now call corporations, institutions, nation-states, ideologies of supremacy, and organizations that demand our full allegiance and thus become idolatrous—not just “too big to fail,” but even too big to be criticized…. When we idolize and refuse to hold such collective realities accountable, they usually become demonic in some way. We normally cannot see it until it is too late”. [1]
Think about the Jews idolising the golden calf, European colonisation, the slavery trade or Hitler and the Third Reich. Remember the 2007 stock market crash, helped along by re-set loans and collateralised debt obligations.
In recent Australian history we have witnessed:
The Banking Royal Commission where major banks, including the CBA, Westpac, NAB, and ANZ, were found to have charged fees for no service, manipulated lending processes, and engaged in other forms of misconduct.
The "Robodebt" Scandal where Centrelink automated debt recovery from welfare recipients based on income averaging and the scheme was found to be fundamentally flawed.
The Qantas ticketing scandal involving the airline's ticket sales and its shoddy handling of consumer rights, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Price manipulation by Coles and Woolworths.
Tax evasion through income shifting offshore by large multinational corporations.
Such collective or organisational sin is enabled by good people, who through ignorance, apathy or unwillingness to “rock the boat”, comply and defer to power. It is said that "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing." (attributed to the philosopher Edmund Burke).
Jesus stood up against the laws and systems that were not based in love and oppressed the weak and the poor. Through baptism, we are not just called to be good people; we are called to be prophets. Indigenous elder and retired episcopal bishop, Steven Charleston wrote:
“Prophets … appear first as an early warning system within any culture at risk.
They fulfill the classic role of the prophet as herald of a vision of what is to come. Then, as the apocalypse becomes ever more real, they serve as teachers to instruct people about what to do to end the suffering and alter the course of destruction. Finally, they are mystics who describe the future and guide people to find it within themselves”. [2]
If we are to fulfil our baptismal calling, we need to observe commercial and political systems, point out the existence of, or potential for, institutional sin and hold our corporate and government leaders accountable for their actions. For example, why has the Job seeker safety net payment fallen in real value by 40% since 1996? In such cases, righteous anger is a positive emotion and may lead to action.
And so, back to my challenge - to think differently about sin.
Religious traditions and society have spent too much time on individual sin and insufficient time on collective or institutional sin.
What is your attitude to institutional sin?
What is your response to the baptismal call to be a prophet?
Do you have the courage of an Oscar Romero or Martin Luther King Jr. and can you apply it within your sphere of influence?
FAQs: Re-Examining Sin
What is institutional or corporate sin, and how does it differ from personal sin?
Institutional or corporate sin involves wrongful actions by systems, organisations or societal structures. It may include unfair banking practices, environmental harm, or policies that disadvantage marginalised people. Unlike personal sin - which is private and individual - corporate sin demands collective awareness and accountability. For example, Australia’s Banking Royal Commission found that major banks charged fees for no service and manipulated lending processes (Source: Banking Royal Commission, Australia). That shows how structural sin can impact many lives even when individuals are unaware or do nothing.
Why does thinking about sin only as individual wrongs limit our understanding of justice?
Focusing only on individual sin tends to obscure how power, ideology or institutions can perpetuate harm. When societies ignore corporate sins like labour injustice or environmental damage, injustice becomes normalized. The stock market crash of 2007, mis-selling of financial products, or corporate tax evasion are not just harmful acts by individuals - they reflect systemic patterns. Re-examining sin in a broader lens helps faith communities address root causes, not just symptoms. (Source: St Lucia Spirituality article; examples from world finance history)
What does it mean to live out the baptismal calling in response to institutional sin?
Living out baptismal calling involves more than ritual - it means becoming prophets in our spheres. That can look like questioning unjust corporate policies, speaking up when systems harm the poor, or holding leaders to account. In Re-Examining Sin the author invites readers to consider whether they resemble Oscar Romero or Martin Luther King Jr in moral courage - people who used faith to advocate for justice. This way of living faith fosters integrity, compassion, and transformation in both individuals and society.
How can righteous anger be a constructive response to injustice?
Righteous anger arises when injustice is evident and compassion calls us to respond. It becomes constructive when it fuels accountability, action, and healing rather than bitterness. Re-Examining Sin points out that when people of goodwill stay silent, harmful systems endure. Historical examples - from civil rights movements to whistle-blowers - show that anger directed by moral clarity can lead to positive change. It is not about condemning others but about speaking truth to power and restoring dignity.
How can ordinary people identify and counteract institutional sin in everyday life?
You can begin by paying attention: where do you see unfairness, where is power unaccountable, which systems hurt people? Explore how your work, shopping, voting, or use of privilege interact with those systems. Try speaking up, supporting reforms, or joining movements for justice. In Re-Examining Sin the examples given -banks defrauding customers, welfare systems mis-managing debt - show that we already live inside these structures. Awareness plus accountable action - small or large - makes a difference.
At St Lucia Spirituality we believe the journey is richer when it’s shared. If you’re seeking a place to explore questions, practice mindfulness, or simply belong to an inclusive spiritual community, we invite you to join us. From online discussion groups and meditation gatherings to our growing library of resources, there’s space here for every seeker. Step into the conversation, connect with others, and discover how community can nurture your spiritual growth.
About the Author - John Scoble
John's journey began in the heart of a traditional Roman Catholic family in Sydney, where he was raised with steadfast faith and reverence. Now residing in the serene surroundings of St Lucia, Brisbane, alongside his beloved wife, John finds solace and inspiration in the tranquil rhythms of life. With four adult children and a cherished grandchild also calling Brisbane home, John's family is his anchor, providing love, support, and a sense of belonging.
While spirituality has always been a cornerstone of his life, it was three transformative events in 2012, including a sacred pilgrimage to the Holy Lands, that ignited a profound shift in John's spiritual trajectory. Embracing retirement as an opportunity for deeper exploration, John immersed himself in extensive reading and soulful reflection.
Over the course of a decade, this journey of self-discovery has led John to reevaluate and transcend many of his traditional beliefs, embracing instead the timeless wisdom and cosmic perspective inherent in Christianity. Influenced by luminaries such as St. Francis of Assisi, St. Teresa of Avila, and Richard Rohr, John's spiritual evolution has been marked by a deepening resonance with the essential truths of his faith and a profound connection to the divine unfolding within and around him.
Footnotes
[1] CAC 17 May 2021
[2] CAC 28 Dec 2024
Comments