Those emerging from the clutches of religion and those breaking free from the prison of sin aren’t really all that different.  Both are obsessed with self, full of control issues and desperately trying to preserve their own system of life.  I should know…I’ve fallen prey to both in the course of my journey:)

I do however think one of those has a clearer understanding of their captivity while the other struggles to see which side of the prison bars they are on.  The “sinful” are often fully aware that what they are currently engaged in is in complete opposition to their Creator and His design for life.  There’s an underlying hope that someone, somehow will come along and offer freedom.  Look at the woman in Luke 7 or John 3.  Check out Zaccheus or the centurion.  These folks inherently knew they were “sinful” and in need.

Contrast that with Paul’s experience.  This religious, good old church boy literally needed to be knocked off his high horse, blinded, led by the hand and humiliated in the presence of the very persons he had come to persecute.  It was difficult for him to “see” his religious state; to “see” that he was actually the prisoner trying to lead captive the free in Christ….getabsorbed..n