Thursday, April 12, 2012

Some sins are bigger than others


I've been reading about the high school coach who just got fired for getting pregnant out of wedlock.

and there are arguments to be made that she's not living the life they wish to exemplify to the girls
that her mere existence erodes the moral fibre of their world.

but I am struck -- by how often women are more punished for their sexuality than men
and for that matter -- how one particular sin (good ole' number 7) seems to be way more important than any other.

So -- yes -- please fire the pregnant girl
also

fire anyone who swears by saying "God" or "Jesus"
fire anyone who mows the lawn on Sunday -- or shops in any store -- or cooks a meal
fire anyone who has ever had a harsh word for his or her parents
fire anyone who takes your pen -- and never brings it back
fire those who envy others -- who has a fantasy about someone else -- or who wishes they had your sports car
fire any person who has sex -- outside of marriage -- man or woman.

and then her firing would be just.

When I read the big 10
it strikes me that God's message is more than a list of rules
it strikes me that God is saying

that we're imperfect
that sin is inevitable.
and that is why grace and forgiveness and humility should be our goal.

We should not shame her
we should be aware
that the rest of us
are breaking a lot of the big 10
all the time.