Pastor Abel Damina, the founder of Abel Damina Ministries and Power City International, has sparked controversy with his interpretation of the biblical account of Adam and Eve’s transgression in the Garden of Eden. In a New Year’s Eve sermon, Damina challenged the traditional understanding that their sin stemmed from consuming the forbidden fruit, arguing that the act of eating itself cannot constitute sin. He posited that the true nature of their sin lay not in the consumption of fruit, but rather in the inner workings of their hearts, aligning his perspective with the biblical passage in Mark 7:18-21 which emphasizes the source of defilement residing within a person, not in external factors like food or drink. This radical interpretation challenges centuries of theological discourse surrounding the fall of humanity and the nature of sin, prompting a reassessment of the traditional narrative.
Damina’s argument centers on the premise that sin originates from within, from the thoughts and intentions of the heart, rather than from external actions like eating or drinking. He questions the literal interpretation of Adam and Eve eating the fruit, suggesting that the focus should be on the deeper spiritual implications of the story. By referencing Mark 7:18-21, he underscores the biblical principle that what defiles a person is not what enters their body, but what emanates from their heart – their thoughts, desires, and intentions. This perspective shifts the focus from the act of eating the fruit to the internal state of Adam and Eve, suggesting that their disobedience stemmed from a deeper spiritual flaw rather than a simple act of consumption.
To further illustrate his point, Damina draws a parallel between the consumption of the forbidden fruit and other activities often considered sinful, such as smoking and drinking alcohol. He emphatically declares that these acts, in themselves, are not sins. He argues that it is not the act of smoking a cigarette or drinking alcohol that corrupts a person, but rather the underlying motivations and intentions behind those actions. While acknowledging the potential negative consequences of these behaviors – such as health problems associated with smoking or the social implications of excessive drinking – he maintains that they do not inherently constitute sin. This distinction separates the act from the intent, suggesting that sin lies in the realm of moral and spiritual choices rather than merely external behaviors.
However, Damina’s stance is not one of advocating for these behaviors. He clarifies that while he doesn’t consider smoking and drinking to be sins in and of themselves, he also doesn’t encourage them. He emphasizes the importance of using wisdom and common sense, recognizing the potential harm these activities can cause. He advises against smoking, highlighting the detrimental effects it has on health and longevity. Similarly, he cautions against excessive alcohol consumption, pointing out the potential for negative social and personal consequences. This nuanced approach acknowledges the potential for harm while maintaining his core argument that the acts themselves are not intrinsically sinful.
Returning to the central theme of the origin of sin, Damina reinforces his position that it is not what enters the body, but what comes out of the heart that truly defiles a person. He uses the analogy of digestion, explaining that anything consumed will eventually be processed and eliminated from the body. Therefore, the act of eating, even the forbidden fruit, cannot inherently corrupt a person’s spiritual state. He contends that the true source of defilement lies within the thoughts, desires, and intentions of the heart, emphasizing the internal origin of sin.
In conclusion, Pastor Damina’s interpretation of the Adam and Eve narrative shifts the focus from a literal understanding of consuming forbidden fruit to a deeper exploration of the internal origins of sin. He argues that it’s not the act of eating, drinking, or engaging in other potentially harmful behaviors that constitutes sin, but rather the underlying motivations and intentions of the heart. While acknowledging the potential negative consequences of certain actions, he maintains that sin resides in the realm of internal choices and spiritual states, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the inner transformation of the heart rather than merely adhering to external rules and regulations. This perspective challenges traditional interpretations of the fall of humanity and prompts a reconsideration of the very nature of sin itself.
