Fascinating take on the idea of sin. I grew up in a Christian household, so my ideas of sin are colored by the traditions of Christianity. Imagine what it's like to be 10 years of age and to be confronted with the idea that maybe Christianity is not the truth and God does not exist. SIN! Imagine being 14 and decide that you will no longer pray because God does not exist. SIN! Shame! Imagine dropping acid and coming to the conclusion that I AM GOD! AND SO IS EVERYONE ELSE AROUND ME. SIN! While I'm grateful for the many great teachings of the Christian tradition, the idea that I should be ashamed or feel guilty about something because some dudes in robes say that we're all born with original sin didn't sit well with me. This is the problem that I find with Christianity, the rules start with "THOU SHALL NOT..." I much prefer the ideals of the American humanists who founded the USA with the idea of THOU SHALL! Thouh shall pursue life, liberty, and happiness. Thou shall defend those pursuits against agressors with guns if necessary.

I like your take on Sauron and how our fear of him is based on the fact that he's hidden in a veil of mystery. You're right, if Tolkien had described him in more detail, then there is a risk that the reader will begin to understand (or even symnpathize) with him. Instead, by remaining distant, the threat is more menacing.

Do I not want others to think, say and act the way I want them? I can answer "yes" and need not be ashamed of this very insight. I's a human wish. That's all. Do I try to forcefully, willfully gain control over those who meet me, in order to make them please me and follow my lead?

Sauron certainly does, and this is crux of the matter. Sauron won't compromise. He won't listen to you. He cares little for how you feel. He doesn't want to light a fire under your feet so you can create something beautiful and interesting together. He wants to light that fire for total power and control even at the expense of your existence. This could well be the ultimate sin.