John Owen: 'The custom of sinning takes away the sense of it, the course of the world takes away the shame of it.'

The custom of sinning takes away the sense of it, the course of the world takes away the shame of it.

In John Owen's profound quote, "The custom of sinning takes away the sense of it, the course of the world takes away the shame of it," he encapsulates a powerful idea about human behavior. Simply put, Owen suggests that repetitive sinning numbs us to the gravity of our actions, while societal norms and expectations diminish the shame associated with those transgressions. This quote serves as a wake-up call, urging us to reflect on the intricate relationship between our actions, perception, and the influence of societal conditioning.When we engage in sinful behaviors repeatedly, the initial sense of guilt or remorse diminishes. This happens as a result of our minds becoming desensitized to the weight of our transgressions. It is not uncommon for individuals who have become accustomed to a particular sin to dismiss it as inconsequential or to downplay its significance. Owen's observation hints at the dangerous path that this pattern of behavior can lead to—one where we become disconnected from the moral implications of our actions.Furthermore, Owen points out that the course of the world plays a role in diminishing the shame associated with our transgressions. Society has its own set of norms, values, and expectations, which can influence our perception of right and wrong. The prevailing cultural, social, and moral climate may shift over time, blurring the lines between acceptable and unacceptable behavior. As societal standards evolve, what was once considered deeply shameful may gradually lose its stigma, further eroding the sense of shame associated with certain transgressions.However, to truly delve into the depth and meaning of Owen's quote, we can introduce an unexpected philosophical concept—existentialism. This school of thought explores human existence and individual freedom, emphasizing that humans possess the power to create their own values and give meaning to their lives. In relation to Owen's quote, existentialism highlights the responsibility we have in creating a moral framework that guides our actions.Existentialism teaches us that we cannot rely solely on societal standards to determine the worth or shamefulness of our behavior. Instead, we must take an active role in establishing our own sense of morality and accountability. This philosophical perspective challenges us to question the course of the world and confront the potential dangers of blindly adhering to societal norms that may not always align with our individual values.While society can influence our perception of shame, existentialism encourages us to remain steadfast in our personal convictions, even if they seem at odds with prevailing norms. By acknowledging our individual agency in shaping our own moral compass, we can resist the numbing effects of repetitive sinning and stand firm in our commitment to uphold our personal sense of right and wrong.To conclude, John Owen's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the insidious nature of sin and the impact of societal conditioning on our moral compass. We must be vigilant in recognizing the numbing effect that repetitive transgressions can have on our perception of sin. Moreover, we should strive to cultivate our own values and not rely solely on societal standards to shape our understanding of shame. By embracing existentialist principles and taking responsibility for our actions, we can transcend societal expectations and hold ourselves accountable to a higher moral standard. Only then can we escape the grip of the custom of sin and the loss of shame perpetuated by the course of the world.