Unintentional Sinning

I recently listened intently to a member of the clergy speak at length on forgiveness for our human failings in the eyes of God. The phrase that specifically caught my ear was a repentance "for all of our transgressions, both intentional and non-intentional". The homily/message/sermon (no hints for your guesses at denomination) was very well constructed, and I appreciated the overall message, but this idea that someone could sin unintentionally had the few cells in my cranium fluttering.

Humans, more so than any other animal, have spectacular brains, which allow for reasoning, which leads to judgements and decisions. Of course, not all humans are created equal - some don't have a full complement of mental ability. Still others choose to lead a life that leads to less than normal mental capacity. However, I'm guessing that the Pastor/Priest/Minister wasn't targeting these folks with the non-intentional sinners context.

So, exactly what is the difference between: a) Intending to sin, and b) Not intending to sin but thereafter realizing one has? How is it that normally functioning humans wouldn't know the difference? Of course I'm onto another huge assumption - that the list of sins is known generally, as a societal norm. I could take the blog down the branch of the innate understanding of good and evil here, but let's just stick to learned appreciation of what is generally accepted as sin and not. There IS a short list of right and wrong, that crosses nearly every belief system.

You've likely guessed I have no theological training whatsoever, and I'd be happy to learn what it is that allows for these two contexts for need of forgiveness. Perhaps it's just a denominational/creed difference between some belief sets. I must admit that it's the first I've heard of this non-intentional sin bit, but then I've only recently began attendance at churches again. My parent-mandated regular attendance in church services growing up was more about drawing sports cars on the bulletin and making fart noises than truly listening to the stodger up front. Especially if I began to hear words like 'transgression'.

As I pondered this unintended sin question, I was reminded of a similar statement I've been kinda callous toward- "I/He/She meant well". I'd propose that this is a step away from the non-intentional sin class, but it's still one of those statements that basically communicates "I screwed the pooch, but I feel bad about it, so I'm going to invoke the 'meant well clause' to alleviate some guilt." Society's definitely down on personal responsibility lately, and this is just another sign of that. What's surprising is my finding the 'meant well clause' in church, where many things are often black or white. How could we really think an omniscient God was being duped into thinking we didn't really recognize we were sinning from the get-go?

Ok, this is getting boring, especially if you didn't turn to this awesome blog to alleviate some boredom in the first place. Perhaps you're stuck in a boring church sermon reading this on a mobile phone...if so, please stop and listen up - you may not be giving it a fair shake. Regardless, stick around after the closing and get some logical answers for me from the theologically trained. Just click on "comments", and feel free to write whatever you wish - I'll assume you meant well regardless. :)

ps. Please don't misinterpret this post...I'm not making a statement about religion or church or sermons, etc.