Is sin necessary to or conducive to maturity? Evidence supporting a positive reply is explained as founded either in cases where “sin” is only apparently such, or in cases where the sin is the lesser of two evils, and so comparatively a “good.” It is argued that sin and maturity are not connected casually but come to be associated through risk-taking, which can both tend to develop maturity and lead to sin. In fact, Christian ideals of innocence and maturity are not easily harmonized with psychological standards of maturity. It is only the sin that is suffered that can promote maturity.
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