Backsliding - What does it mean and where does it begin?

May 8, 2002 7:25 PM

Backsliding - What does it mean and where does it begin? The one common cause of backsliding is sin allowed in one's life. The remedy is repentance and return to God. God offers hope of restoration for the backslider. Who's been backsliding recently?
posted by jeremias (19 comments total)

"The obvious English definition of the term 'backsliding' is applied only to God's people, not to unbelievers. In other words, the backslider must have at one point in his life been placed in a position close to God from which he has since slid back or away from and toward a more distant position from God."

Ah, well, then: I'm safe. :-)
posted by five fresh fish at 7:28 PM on May 8, 2002

I'm beginning to sense a trend.
posted by precocious at 7:30 PM on May 8, 2002

My favorite meat is back-bacon. What's your favorite sliced meat?
posted by machaus at 7:33 PM on May 8, 2002

I'm beginning to sense a trend.

I was wondering how long I would have to wait for another "back" post. hee.
posted by gummi at 7:36 PM on May 8, 2002

It's a coincidence, as far as I know. If jeremias has a plan, I guess it's backfired. :)
posted by jonmc at 7:38 PM on May 8, 2002

Make a 'back-' post, go to jail.
posted by darukaru at 7:46 PM on May 8, 2002

sigh...back to Square One.
posted by davidmsc at 8:52 PM on May 8, 2002

I coulda sworn "backsliding" was some new kinky sex act....
posted by rushmc at 9:15 PM on May 8, 2002

It was, but clicking on the "back" button is newer and kinkier.
posted by liam at 10:40 PM on May 8, 2002

Backsliding is huge among the gay pedophile priest population. It's even become a hit with your basically hetro and prostitute loving evangelical ministers like Jerry Falwell.
posted by MaddCutty at 10:44 PM on May 8, 2002

All that time
In the dark
Just one word...
Backslider!
posted by Qambient at 10:56 PM on May 8, 2002

The one common cause of backsliding is sin allowed in one's life.

In that case, I've been backsledding. Backtobogganing, even.
posted by Ty Webb at 11:47 PM on May 8, 2002

Nigh upon backluge-ing.
posted by Ty Webb at 11:48 PM on May 8, 2002

I quote, from Merriam Webster-
Main Entry: back·slide
Pronunciation: -"slId
Function: intransitive verb
Inflected Form(s): back·slid /-"slid/; -slid or back·slid·den /-"sli-d&n/; back·slid·ing /-"slI-di[ng]/
Date: 1581
1 : to lapse morally or in the practice of religion
2 : to revert to a worse condition : RETROGRESS
- back·slid·er /-"slI-d&r/ noun
3 : that little brown stain caused from improper wiping.
posted by bradth27 at 12:08 AM on May 9, 2002

I wonder if this counts as backsliding: An Irish priest who has repeatedly stated he does not believe Jesus Christ was the son of God has resigned.
posted by homunculus at 12:22 AM on May 9, 2002

More precisely, backsliding (in a secular context) is doing what you know is wrong (which is generally called akrasia, or weakness of the will), and justifying yourself by giving spurious and self-serving reasons. I think a very good discussion is found in this book.
posted by Gaz at 3:35 AM on May 9, 2002

I love MetaFilter.
posted by jeremias at 4:24 AM on May 9, 2002

Jeremias, what did you expect?
posted by silusGROK at 9:25 AM on May 9, 2002

Actually, that wasn't sarcastic. I really do love it.
posted by jeremias at 10:34 AM on May 9, 2002