Being raised Catholic, like Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, I have a similar issue in the back of my mind at times…
When I look back upon my life
It's always with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
There are countless sins listed in the bible. Some are plain ridiculous (e.g. astrology Deut 4:19; 17:3-7; Isa 47:13,14; Acts 7:42; Ezek 8:16). There also ins't a nice comprehensive list (because you are supposed to memorize the bible, after all). The most notable list is the 10 Commandments, which goes something like this (taken from one of the King James versions):
1. Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
4. Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
8. Neither shalt thou steal.
9. Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Obviously lots of things are missing from the list, or some things are over inflated. e.g. You would think there would be one that says "Thou shalt not rape." but apparently consensual cheating on your spouse ("7. Neither shalt thou commit adultery.") is a worse sin. Details details.
Three of them are all about being faithful to "the LORD they God". That is some prime real-estate on the list, and could've been written in one. Also it makes God seem a little selfish, petty, and needy. Doesn't seem right for "the all powerful almighty", you know?
Frankly the list needs some work.
While searching online, I happened across this list of "The Ten Indian Commandments" which is much more positive and comprehensive:
1. Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.
2. Remain close to the Great Spirit.
3. Show great respect for your fellow beings.
4. Work together for the benefit of all mankind.
5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
6. Do what you know to be right.
7. Look after the well-being of mind and body.
8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.
9. Be truthful and honest at all times.
10. Take full responsibility for your actions.
Of course the "Golden Rule" also works in a pinch:
"Treat others as you would like to be treated."
Instead people are all caught up over same-sex marriage, abortion, the death penalty, etc. Blah blah blah! To paraphrase an English teacher I once had, she said "The world has enough geniuses. It needs more good people." Hear hear!
And as for all those sins, I say we chuck 'em and start over with the list!
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Click here for more info on Pet Shop Boys – Actually – "It's a Sin".
The MP3 may be purchased here…
Pet Shop Boys - Actually
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