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Dear Father Paul

Dear Father Paul: What does the word "sin" mean in a religious sense? We don't seem to hear the word much any more. Most of the sermons I hear are about being a good person, etc.— John, Fayetteville

Dear John: Sin is an archery term. At its root it literally means to "miss the mark, or to miss the target." Doesn't sound too bad when you put it like that does it?

But sin is a big deal to God! As used in the Bible sin means (as a verb) "to break the laws of God or, not doing what God wants." Our sin separates us from fellowship with God (a fellowship he wants very much) because he is holy and without sin and we cannot dwell in his presence with our sin. Our sin doesn't necessarily make God angry with us as much as it makes him (because he is a loving father) sad with grief over the loss of fellowship with us.

The correct attitude we should have toward sin is sorrow that we have (once again) grieved our heavenly father. But, he doesn't want us to wallow in the guilt of our sin, but rather to come to him (to Daddy) when we sin and receive his forgiveness. His son, Jesus took care of sin for mankind permanently with his death on the cross in our place. I John 1: 7 says, "... and the blood of Jesus, his (God's) own son, purifies us from all sin." We are told a little later in the same chapter that when we confess our sins, God forgives and purifies us. Wow.

Dear Father Paul: What do you think about politicians and public officials sharing their faith in speeches and on T.V.? Isn't that against the doctrine of the separation of church and state?— Roy, Fayetteville.

Dear Roy: I think it is absolutely great; but just to set the record straight, the "doctrine of the separation of church and state" is not mentioned anywhere in the Constitution, it is rather a creation of the media. Having said that, I believe that separation of church and state is a good thing. I don't want the government mucking around in religion and forcing us all to say our prayers a certain way. Religion, on the other hand, should not control the government. A strictly "hands off policy by both" is best in my view.

To answer your question, I think it is fine when our top leaders speak of their faith as long as they don't make me feel like I need to belong to their church and as long as they don't do it as a cheap ploy to get votes. I think it is especially good for our young people to hear and see successful people in ALL walks of life give voice to their faith.

Dear Father Paul: Why does the Bible call the Holy Spirit "the Counselor?"— Constance, Fayetteville.

Dear Constance: "Counselor" means one who give direction or guidance. In John 14: 26 Jesus said, "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you." When we receive Christ, he, through the person of the Holy Spirit (the Counselor) actually takes up residence in us, leading and guiding us in wise and godly ways. If you find yourself messing up a lot, you need the Counselor!

Father Paul Massey will answer your question. Write him at paulmassey@earthlink.net or Box 510, Fayetteville, Georgia 30214.