Keep It Simple

Recently my wife and I watched "The Last Sin Eater." The movie was done by Fox Faith, a division of 20th Century Fox. Many movies have hidden faith applications. This film is straightforward.
The film is based on a practice of Welsh immigrants in 1850 Appalachia. When someone died they looked for The Sin Eater. They believed The Sin Eater would eat that person’s sins. Great fear was associated with The Sin Eater. No one was ever to look him in the eyes. I will not spoil the plot and outcome for those who would like to see the movie (it’s no longer in theaters, but can be rented at your local video store). I recommend it.
It’s interesting how we can get part of the truth. They knew something had to be done about their sins. Someone has to atone for our sins. The Welsh immigrants in Appalachia just got the how wrong. People in 1850 were hurt by this twisted belief. Some people’s lives were utterly destroyed. Religious misinformation can be so damaging.
People today are not looking for The Sin Eater. But equally weird ways are pursued to cover sin. Work it off with religious activity. Beat yourself up in hopes that intense guilt will somehow destroy what caused the guilt. Eat it away. Ignore it . . . and God. Sleep it away. Drink it away. Justify it; everyone is doing it. But guilt can be stubborn.
The message of the early Church was quite simple. Their first affirmation was clear: Christ died for our sins (1 Corinthians 15:3). Believe that liberating truth in simple faith. There is no need to completely understand it. Just believe it. Rest will come to your troubled mind.