Language as Related to Sin and Our Sin Nature

So maybe this doesn’t exactly pertain to the discussion we had in class, but it kind of does. In class today, Dr. Mitchell made a comment about sin, and I can’t remember what that comment was at the moment, but it led to a discussion after class between Regis, Dr. Talmage, Dr. Mitchell, and I. Dr. Mitchell and Dr. Talmage are of the opinion that language is intrinsically linked to sin. I happen to agree with them.

So the question is, when does the sinful nature develop in a person? The answer, when language develops. Now this is where the theory gets interesting. When does the knowledge of language develop in a person? Is it the same time as we are held accountable for our sins? I believe that our knowledge of language develops before we held accountable for our sins. I could be VERY wrong here. But this is my opinion.

We have knowledge of language and the ability to sin long before we understand what it means to sin. I babysit a family back home with an 18 month old who, last time I was there, was not yet speaking in an understandable way. I observed her interactions with her siblings, mother, and me while I babysat her and was surprised to see that, while she couldn’t speak, she was able to sin. She could understand what we told her to do, but she chose to disobey us. Because she couldn’t speak yet, sometimes it seemed like she couldn’t understand what we told her to do, but after much observation, I saw that she could.

Children begin to understand what you are telling them much earlier than is apparent. It’s the reason babies are able to learn, and use, sign language from about the age of 6 months. So the question is: when does this knowledge of language, turn into a knowledge and awareness of our sin nature? This is a question I can’t necessarily answer. But it’s a question I shall definitely be pondering for a while.

I know this doesn’t necessarily relate to our readings or discussions in class, but I thought it posed some interesting questions. I also thought there were some interesting ideas brought up.

I will see you all in class Thursday and I hope everyone has an incredible Spring Break!

Until next time

~Meghan

P.S. Commented on Josh Spell's post Life is Beautiful