Sinfulness Of Life-Risking Activities

[Sarah147]

Hello,

I'm curious what level of sinfulness it is for activities like: roller coasters, bunji jumping, car racing, sky diving, etc.

God bless you.

[Brother Adam]

It is important to identify activities which are reckless and those that are otherwise safe, but may carry risks. For instance, simply backing out of your driveway carries risks, as does driving in general. No one would suggest that driving is a sinful activity, even though it could kill you. However, if you are recklessly driving that would be sinful. Jumping out of a plane with a parachute carries risks, but jumping out of one without a parachute would be reckless. Our lives are gifts from God and should be used to glorify God. If you are up for enjoying his creation by jumping off a bridge with an elastic rope tied around your feet, God bless you. You may want to question your sanity, but it would not be sinful.

[CatherineM]

If you are going to do something risky, you should get the proper training, have the proper equipment, and do it for the right reason. There is nothing wrong with testing yourself, but you can get addicted to adrenaline. I have always felt that the level of risk you should place yourself in also depends on your station in life. Those who have a family, kids, or a spouse, or elderly relatives who are financially dependant on them, should take time to evaluate that they may not just be putting themselves at risk. I did a lot of crazy to dangerous things when I was younger, but didn't have any dependants. I wouldn't do many of them now. Of course that's partially because of the damage I did to my body when I was young no longer lets me do dangerous things.