I’ve been thinking a lot about sin and stigma lately.

It seems we have created two general categories for sin:

1. Sin
2. Sin with stigma

In our faith tradition, we don’t say “sin with stigma,” but instead we say “serious sin.”

It’s a terrible habit, and collectively as a faith community, we need to repent of this sin.

When we frame some sin as just “sin” and other sin as “serious sin,” we create a dichotomy where some sin is disgraceful and other sin is acceptable.

All sin must be taken seriously.

This unhealthy dichotomy persists when it creates cultural norms like the following:

• Some sin requires you to go to the bishop’s office.
• Some sin disqualifies you from specific callings (even after repentance).
• Some sin is acceptable and normal because it isn’t serious sin.
• Some sin holds you back from a temple recommend.

Let me clearly state…

ALL sin is disgraceful.

ALL sin is poison to our soul.

ALL sin damns our spiritual progress.

ALL sin requires Jesus for healing.

I’m sure most of you agree, so why do we create these additional categories?

If someone followed me around 24/7, it’s safe to say they would probably categorize me as someone who does not participate in “serious sin.”

Many church leaders would probably be classified in the same way.

But for all you non-serious sinners, I bring you a caution.

Deep inside this awful cultural classification is a toxin.

We may be good at doing our spiritual positive habits and behaviors, but we need more work taking our sin seriously.

If we can’t take sin seriously, we can’t repent.

If we can’t take our sin seriously, we can’t help those who turn to us needing help with their serious sin.

If we can’t take our sin seriously, it creates the perception we can do it without Christ.

That is sin, and we need to take it seriously.

Sincerely,

Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints

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