Culpability and Sin

On this installment of Vestiges of Christianity, Bishop Bryan Ouellette engages the esoteric side of the nature of sin. Continuing his thoughts from last week, he will discuss how we can best avoid falling into the trap of sin. If things like self-defense, even to protect a greater good, remain as sinful actions, how can one protect oneself against the dangers inherent in always "turning the other cheek?" And what of culpability? How can we be guilty of sin and yet exempt from its consequences under certain conditions? Find out on this edition of Vestiges of Christianity. 

Institutional Sin

This week on Vestiges of Christianity, Bishop Bryan Ouellette introduces the topic of "institutional sin." It is the sin that results from necessity by the lack of virtue existent within the fallen world. The example of killing in war and self-defense is utilized as the initial point through which this difficult subject is mastered and thus understood. 

Blessed Are the Poor in Spirit

Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." But just who are the poor in spirit and what is the essence of Christian poverty? From the solemn to simple vows of religious and monastic life, to the deeper philosophical meaning behind all spiritual exercises in non-attachment, Bishop Bryan Ouellette discuses what sort of poverty all Christians are commanded to maintain. Is material wealth evil? Find out on this brand new episode of Vestiges of Christianity.

Correction from Bishop Bryan: I had the Himalayan mountains on my mind, as I had just finished reading a story about some Buddhist monks. In my absentmindedness, I accidentally said I was coming to you live from the Himalayan mountains when I should have said Appalachian. My apologies for any confusion, but no, I have not yet set out to the life of a Buddhist hermit. ;-)