Session 2: Sin and Systemic Justice
Genesis 3:8-24
Preparation Resources
1) Tim Keller sermon: Paradise Lost
2) Tim Keller talk: Racism and Corporate Evil: A White Guy’s Perspective
Discussion Topics
1) McCaulley discusses the kingdom of darkness as a ‘world oriented away from God’, and sin as
a spiritual force or power that wants to master us. Does this track with your understanding of
sin? How does the idea of idolatry fit in here?
2) McCaulley observes “we often put Bible teaching in ‘Bibleland,’ not reality. He argues when
prophets confront Israel’s kings it is both a spiritual and political act. Do you see his point?
3) McCaulley poses the question, “Can an institution or an entity sin?” How does he answer this
question? What examples does he give of the relationship between sin and power?
4) How did you respond to McCaulley’s observations that the entertainment industry is largely
rooted in lust, and our economic system is rooted in covetousness? Since these may be seen
as structurally sinful orientations, he says we shouldn’t be surprised to see other “kingdom of
darkness” elements influencing these structures. Thoughts?
5) How do you understand this statement: Racism is the only sin we feel we have evolved out
of as a society. How might we think/behave differently if we regarded racism as a “normal” sin
like pride or greed or any other form of idolatry?
6) Christians might disagree about how a structure is being distorted by racism and on how to remedy it, but we should all agree that structural racism exists. Do you agree?
1) Tim Keller sermon: Paradise Lost
2) Tim Keller talk: Racism and Corporate Evil: A White Guy’s Perspective
Discussion Topics
1) McCaulley discusses the kingdom of darkness as a ‘world oriented away from God’, and sin as
a spiritual force or power that wants to master us. Does this track with your understanding of
sin? How does the idea of idolatry fit in here?
2) McCaulley observes “we often put Bible teaching in ‘Bibleland,’ not reality. He argues when
prophets confront Israel’s kings it is both a spiritual and political act. Do you see his point?
3) McCaulley poses the question, “Can an institution or an entity sin?” How does he answer this
question? What examples does he give of the relationship between sin and power?
4) How did you respond to McCaulley’s observations that the entertainment industry is largely
rooted in lust, and our economic system is rooted in covetousness? Since these may be seen
as structurally sinful orientations, he says we shouldn’t be surprised to see other “kingdom of
darkness” elements influencing these structures. Thoughts?
5) How do you understand this statement: Racism is the only sin we feel we have evolved out
of as a society. How might we think/behave differently if we regarded racism as a “normal” sin
like pride or greed or any other form of idolatry?
6) Christians might disagree about how a structure is being distorted by racism and on how to remedy it, but we should all agree that structural racism exists. Do you agree?