Welcome to Season 4 of Deconstructing the Myth! Liz Mall (MA of Christian Apologetics, Biola) and Jenny White (MA of Museum Studies, Harvard) join forces again to bring you another research season to help you on your deconstruction journey. This season is all about deconstructing the doctrines that have shaped the American Evangelical experience by looking closely at the historical, cultural, and Biblical context behind each one. 

Today we discuss the definition of sin (and why it can be hard to define beyond its bare bones) as well as Jewish, Christian, and secular thought on the concept.

Historical Development of the Concept of Sin

Cairn, S.N. “Sin: A Brief History.” The Postil Magazine, May 1, 2018. 

https://www.thepostil.com/sin-a-brief-history/. 

Sin Related to Psychology

What Actually Is Evil? And What Makes People Carry Out Evil Acts? The myth of “Pure Evil,” and the real reasons why people do “evil” things.

Ralph Lewis M.D.

Is it a parallel to the decline in religion?  

“There's a global, fast-growing population of people without a religion. That's according to a new AP-NORC Poll.”

https://www.axios.com/2023/10/06/organized-religion-decline-agnostic-atheist-nonreligious

For a compilation of this season's show notes in one place, check out Patreon.com/deconstructingthemyth and consider supporting us there financially to help keep the lights on (and for additional perks and opportunities!)