Mathew Anikuzhikattil: Ecclesial response to negativity in human lifeSummary (temporally incomplete)1. BIBLICAL AND MODERN CONCEPT OF SIN AND FORGIVENESSArt. I. Biblical ApproachToday the sense of sin or moral evil is weak. It is clear that moral evil exists in the world. Misbehavior is de-scribed as sin when it is directed against God and other people. This notion is basic in the bible.§.1. Certain Examples of Sin in the Old TestamentIn Gn 1-11, we see the origin of man and of sin and guilt. Guilt is more a psychological term; sin more a theolo-gical term. From the start of man's life on earth (Adam and Eve), there is the seed of infidelity to God. The hu-man race becomes "obstinate, apostate, adulterous, murderous". Gn narrates all these examples of sin.The concrete nature of sin is described in Is 14:12-14, Ez 28:11-19. The main feature of sin is pride and anoverestimation of self-worth (as God's equal). 2° Sin is also a rupture in man's personal relation with God. 3°The sinner knows that he can be saved only by God. 4° Man is victimized by his sin and seduced in his weak-ness. Sin is seen as the counterpoint of a partnership with God, not as an isolated act.Sin is also seen in a covenantal perspective: as a denial of God's love and a rejection of the covenant. Besidesbeing an infidelity, it has a social dimension. God's love is directed to a holy people. Faithfulness to the coven-ant demands justice and love of the neighbor. Sin is an oppressive power which ravages our relationships withGod and others.§.2. Special Terms used for Sin in the Old Testament11. The Word "hata", offenceIt occurs 459 times in the Bible. First meaning: 'to miss, to fail'2, 2nd meaning: 'offence' (rather than sin). Onewho fulfills the claims of a relation or agreement is just3. He who does not fulfill his obligations in relation toothers is a sinner with regard to them: he 'fails them'. I Sm 2:25: "If a man offends against God, who will act asmediator?" A sin against God is a failure to ...