Translated into plain language, sin is mal-adaptive
behavior, beliefs or thoughts.

Adaptive behavior is that which contributes to the
survival and well being of a species. Mal-adaptive
behavior is just the opposite, Mal-adaptive behavior
is what causes a species to go extinct.
According to Jesus , anger and other negative
emotions constitute sin. A person experiencing
anger is harming himself. Is that not true? It is also
written that the wages of sin are death. The wages of
mal-adaptive behavior are also death. Sin and
mal-adaptive behavior are one and the same. Sin is the
descriptive term in used in religious circles. Mal-adaptive is the term used in secular discussions.

Is it a sin to believe lies? Of course it is. Believing lies constitutes mal-adaptive behavior. The
greatest disasters in history have been the result of the massive belief in lies.
What is typical of sin/mal-adaptive behavior?

Is smoking a cigarette a sin? Is smoking a cigarette mal-adaptive? Those questions are easy to
answer. Does mal-adaptive behavior offend God? That is a different question. Mal-adaptive
behavior is the same with people who don’t believe in God as it is with people who do.
Are there any benefits to sin? Yes, there are. Where there no benefits no one would want to sin.
The most clear characteristic of sin is that benefits are generally up front. The costs go on for as
long as eternity. Let’s suppose some sin leads to happiness. Happiness really doesn’t last forever.
The cost of temporary happiness, can easily exceed the benefits …. over time. It constitutes
mal-adaptive behavior when that happens. Is happiness worth the price? Very often, it is not.
Mal-adaptive behavior and sin are one and the same. Terms used in old scriptures have parallels in
the secular world. Only the language and  connotations are different.

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