I always thought "sloth" was laziness, but I learned that sloth really is the depression that leads to someone being incapacitated. This cannot be a sin anymore than having strep throat or any other form of illness.

Depression is not a sin as I learned recently. To think of it that way leads to more of it.

There is no sin in being depressed, although there can be some sins along the way to it (I have been clinically depressed and suicidal) The root cause is not usually something you can control, although how you respond can make it better or worse.
I would say that giving up without a fight could be sinful...
But God also is close to those who are broken hearted, and cares for those who are wounded. There is love and understanding for this time in people's lives, if you reach for it.
During depression is the hardest time to reach for God. I say that depression is demonic. There is something just sinister about the whole thing.

@Rvnurse:
The pain of depression can be so isolating and lonely that one can feel they cannot reach out to anyone; however, some feel as though God can be the only one to reach to.

I have a lot of depression...as I believe most of human beings do; but I believe it is a result of the fallen nature of mankind and something that many have to deal with. The hymn writer William Cowper is an excellent example of someone who suffered severe depression...all the while knowing that he was secure in the eternal love of God. It's a battle; believing what we experience/feel vs our position in Christ. This is the Christian interpretation. Humanism can interpret it some other way. Whatever...I believe it's the realization that Life is not measuring up to the expectations that are imprinted on our souls. We know that this life is NOT what it was designed to be.

I am silver and exact. I have no preconceptions.

Whatever I see I swallow immediately

Just as it is, unmisted by love or dislike.

I am not cruel, only truthful ‚

The eye of a little god, four-cornered.

Most of the time I meditate on the opposite wall.

It is pink, with speckles. I have looked at it so long

I think it is part of my heart. But it flickers.
Faces and darkness separate us over and over.
Sylvia Plath

Having dealt with a mother who was entrenched in Christian Science, it bugs me to no end when illness is equated with sin.

Depression is an illness. Not of god, not of the "devil".

Choosing to do NOTHING about it may be "sinful"

but illness is NOT sinful. It just is.

"Sins" are just one more way that we humans give ourselves permission to NOT be held accountable.

It isn't my problem, the devil made me do it.

I know my life philosophy isn't popular, but then again, since so few of us care to stand up and say, "I did it, it is my fault" I most of the time don't care about the blamers feelings on the subject.

Best advice I've ever received:

"Pray, like everything you do depends on God, Work, like everything you do depends on you".

Who the fudge belives in sin anyway!
If you were to call anything a sin it would be:
- Murder
- Rape
- Torture
- etc...
My idea of sin is a method of control enforced when religion came about.

I do not suggest that a person with depression NOT get medical help nor do I insinuate that it is something a person (within himself) can manage or control.

@mike_law - you left "voting for Bush" off your list.

LMAO