Fear.

It has been said that there are only two things in the world:

Love and fear.

Whatever is not love is fear.

So I would say that the problem is not spiritual death caused by sin but fear that imprisons our hearts.

When we are born we love freely and openly.

As we grow up we learn fear.

And so we lose contact with our souls.

Spiritual development is the unlearning of our fear.

"Love is Letting Go of Fear" (Wayne Dwyer).

God is Love.

And so contact with God allays our fears.

Until we are able to love freely and openly once again.

Photo Credit: ramparts.com.au