Sin and Salvation: A Spiritual Rebirth Ignatius Ng

Sin and Salvation: A Spiritual Rebirth

Sin is an inextricable force that entangles an individual who has committed a crime; only through confession can a man be free of his sin. In Crime and Punishment Dostoevsky manifests the evil and goodness of Raskolnikov, depicting the need for him to change—the need for the confession of his sin. Throughout the novel, Raskolnikov is lost and suffers from the consequences of his sin. Although he is in a struggle between good and evil, Raskolnikov cannot simply renounce his sins by his own determination; therefore, he must surrender his will and pride and be willing to confess his sin. By emphasizing the theme of confession and redemption, Dostoevsky effectively portrays the spiritual rebirth that Raskolnikov experiences when he confesses, especially through the story of Lazarus. Through the Biblical allusions in Crime and Punishment, Dostoevsky illustrates the theme of redemption as Raskolnikov experiences sin and atonement.

As Raskolnikov commits the crime of murder and lives in sin, Dostoevsky places a secular emphasis on Raskolnikov’s life, divulging the human and sinful nature of those who lack God. Through demonstrating vice in Raskolnikov, Dostoevsky reveals the sinful nature of...