May 19, 2004

Go Forth and Sin No More?

If the concept of sin did not already exist, someone would have to invent it. A world with no hellfire, no damnation; it is simply unthinkable. Without sin, guilt would become toothless, a paper tiger. How then would parents exert meaningful control over children, and the clergy over its flocks?
Most importantly, without sin or guilt there would be widespread unemployment among clerics of every denomination. Also out of work would be countless government officials, law enforcement personnel, prison guards, shrinks, military, lawyers, and talk-show hosts. The economies of all the developed nations (and most third world countries) would soon collapse. Chaos would reign, and civilization as we know it would end. Shall we try it?

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