casper said:
Sin, because while I enjoy'm not focused on those around him, to a world that is struggling in the war.
My question would be given to my enjoyment (which is to be a positive emotion) can become negative or so perceived, because I am not ordained say the unrest in Gaza?
I agree with Mr. Premise on this one. Personally I think "sin" is knowing you should not do something (for whatever reason), and doing it anyway. For instance, if I pass a hitchhiker, it's very cold outside, and I have time on my hands and room in my car, he doesn't look dangerous, and even that possibility exists, I have some form of weapon ready for my defense. In this case, all the variables are met, and in my mind it would be "sinful" to keep driving and say "screw that guy." That's just my opinion... I would at least pull over and assess the situation.
What you're talking about is, I think, slightly different than this. Is it a sin for me to heat my home when millions of people live without heat? No, because what can I do about that situation? Nothing. I am not able to give my heat to them. And then, if I do not heat my home, I cannot work or make money to continue living, which then makes me unable to be of service to anyone.
Again, in my opinion, it is our obligation to our own selves to keep ourselves and our lives in working order so that we CAN be of service to others when the opportunity arises. Using my first example, if I didn't have a car, or gas in the car, I would not be able to pick up anyone else who might need a ride.
It's all relative, essentially, and based on the law of three: there is good, and there is bad, but ultimately there is the specific situation that determines what is good and what is bad.
For instance, I have learned that I enjoy being sober. Is that a sin, when many people suffer from addiction? If you were to starve yourself simply because others are starving, you would be doing no good for anyone, only harming yourself, and removing the possibility that you could help others.
I think it also depends on how you feel. When you say you enjoy something, are you thinking
"Haha, I enjoy this so much, screw everyone else who is having a bad time." ? I doubt it, but then, if you are thinking that, I would consider that a form of "sin" because you would actually be enjoying the suffering of others, instead of enjoying your own positive experience. IMO, we can still enjoy positive experiences and
at the same time feel compassion and empathy towards those who are deprived of them.
EDIT: I posted this at the same time as Mr. Premise's second reply. We may be repeating each other. :/