“I did not come to call the righteous but sinners” (Mark 2:17). This verse is the key which unlocks the rest of the teachings of Jesus and fits with much current thought.

This must have blown the minds of the Pharisees who were grumbling because “Many sinners were dining with Jesus…and following him” (Mark 2:15). They must have thought “Sinners?! Sinners are the last people we want to associate with! They flaunt the Law given to us by Moses, and we strive for absolute moral purity, perfection, and salvation by rigorously following the Law!” Jesus quickly elaborates, “It is not those who are healthy who need a physician but those who are sick” (Mark 2:17).

This verse can be used to integrate Christianity with modern therapy. Whenever Jesus talks about salvation, it is in terms of those who are “broken.” The root of “salvation” is “salve,” which is used to heal wounds. To be healed is to be made whole again, and “wholeness” connects to “holiness” in much of contemporary theology. And making people whole again is what medical and psychological practice is all about.

The words “sin” and “sinner” are still used in religious........

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