4 Why I am (still) a Christian: The Insanity of Worldly Guilt
Introduction
Apart from the Biblical self-authenticating revelation of the self-existing Triune God, how do you explain guilt?
If there's one thing I have observed about human beings is that I have never met a person who doesn't feel guilty about something. I also watch the human tendency to try to make everyone else feel guilty; if you don't prescribe to their definition of right and wrong or good and evil, there is something wrong with you. They may not call it "sin," but what other word is there?
Sin According to…
For Black Lives Matter, there is both individual and systemic "sin" against black people. Our white ancestors committed this "sin" through involuntary slavery. We continue to participate in this "sin" either through consciously or unconscious participation in racism, either individually or through the existing systems built upon white privilege.
LGTBQ advocates believe it is "sin" to discriminate, hate, repress, oppress, and not support people based upon their sexual behavior or ideology.
For some, it is a "sin" to support Trump. For others, it is a "sin" to support Biden. It was a "sin" to storm the political castle on January 6th. It was a "sin" for Antifa to burn buildings. Defund the police or support the police? Protect the unborn or the woman's right to choose? You can't escape feeling guilty, whichever side you take.
People feel guilty for overeating, drinking too much, taking too many drugs, watching too much tv, for not working, for working too much, for not exercising, for getting divorced, for gambling, and on and on it goes.
The Goal of a Guilt-Free Society
The goal of Modern Psychology is to release people from the feelings of guilt. Psychologists like Freud and Jung thought psychological health comes through freeing people from the oppression of guilt. Other psychologists may have a different explanation, but they all share the same goal: helping healthy human beings be free from guilt.
And yet, if people are genuinely released from all guilt, Psychologists will diagnose them with Antisocial Personality Disorder:
Antisocial personality disorder, sometimes called sociopathy, is a mental disorder in which a person consistently shows no regard for right and wrong and ignores the rights and feelings of others. People with antisocial personality disorder tend to antagonize, manipulate or treat others harshly or with callous indifference. They show no guilt or remorse for their behavior.
Individuals with antisocial personality disorder often violate the law, becoming criminals. They may lie, behave violently or impulsively, and have problems with drug and alcohol use. Because of these characteristics, people with this disorder typically can't fulfill responsibilities related to family, work, or school. (emphasis mine)
Societal Insanity
What a crazy society in which we live. We are supposed to feel guilty for racism, sexism, discrimination, injustice, and so on. Yet, when we go to the Psychologists, the goal is to release us from guilt. And if they succeed, we will be diagnosed with Antisocial Personality Disorder.
Apart from the Biblical Christian worldview, there is just no way to explain guilt. There is no way to know what is right and what is wrong. There is no way to tell whether you are guilty or whether we should feel guilt. There is no way to be released from guilt without turning into a psychopath or a sociopath.
Stay Tune for Part 5
As a Bible-believing Christian who holds to the authority of the self-authenticating Biblical revelation of the self-existing Triune God, I can tell you why people feel guilty. I can also explain when we should feel guilt. Furthermore, I can explain how God frees us from guilt without us becoming psychopaths and sociopaths.
You will find out why in Part 5, Why I am (still) a Christian: The Only Explanation of Guilt.