SIN

1. SIN Unit IV: What kind of Person Does the Church Want Me to Become?

2. The word Jesus used for sin was satah“missing the mark” • Translated in the Gospels in Greek, hamartia • Originally an archery term, as in “you missed the target, take another shot” • The word “sin” is related to the Latin word sons, “guilty” connecting sin to Roman law, making sin more of a crime that needs some kind of punishment. WHAT IS A SIN?

3. Modern definition of sin: A sin is any action that alienates or cuts us off from ourselves, others, and God. WHAT IS A SIN?

4. Original Sin • The state of sinfulness into which all human beings are born • According to Church teaching, inherited from the first humans, and erased by the Sacrament of Baptism • Explains but does not erase sinful tendencies. Humans still sin • Humans are good people who do bad things TYPES OF SIN

5. Mortal Sin • A very grave or serious violation of God’s law done willingly and knowingly. • Cuts us off completely from God. • Can only be forgiven through the Sacrament of Reconciliation TYPES OF SIN

6. Venial Sin • Venial means “forgivable.” • A less serious offense • Weakens our relationship with God, but does not cut us off. • Can be forgiven through any Sacrament, as long as there is true contrition for one’s sins. TYPES OF SIN

7. Sin of Commission vs. Sin of Omission • A sin of commission is doing something sinful; an action. • A sin of omission is NOT doing something you could have done, usually for someone’s good; a lack of action. • Biblical example: the two men who passed by the beaten man in the story of Good Samaritan. • Modern example: passing by a homeless person without offering to help in some way. OTHER TYPES OF SIN

8. Personal Sin vs. Social Sin • Personal sin is an individual act of wrongdoing • Social sin is the wrongdoing of an entire community, usually against the common good. • Prophets make us aware of our social sin • Biblical examples: • The prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures; John the Baptist; Jesus—all openly challenged the social sins of their leaders • Modern Examples: • Sins in the economy (homelessness, Wall Street greed) • Sins against humanity (genocide, racism, Katrina victims) • MLK Jr., Elie Wiesel—modern-day prophets OTHER TYPES OF SIN

9. Social Sin in the Church • Historically: Anti-Semitism, Anti-Islamism • Recently: Sexual Abuse, cover-up of abuse Social Sin in North America • Historically: Slavery, Sexism, Racism • Recently:………..? Is there Social Sin at St David’s? • Is there Racism, Homophobia, Classism, Sexism? • How is Bullying a Social Sin? • How is Cheating a Social Sin? SOCIAL SIN

10. The Seven Deadly Sins • Originally a list of mortal sins • Better understood today as underlying attitudes that can lead to sinful behavior if left unchecked • Lust: excessive sexual thoughts • Can lead to rape, sexual abuse, stalking, prostitution, porn • Can be countered by Chastity • Gluttony: overindulgence to the point of waste • Can lead to hunger of others, misuse of resources • Can be countered by Temperance

11. The Seven Deadly Sins • Originally a list of mortal sins • Better understood today as underlying attitudes that can lead to sinful behavior if left unchecked • Greed: excessive acquisition of wealth • Can lead to poverty of others, economic woes • Can be countered by Charity (caritas, agape) • Sloth: excessive indifference, failure to act • Can lead to sins of omission • Can be countered by Diligence

12. The Seven Deadly Sins • Wrath: uncontrolled anger or hatred • Can lead to rage, physical abuse, murder • Can be countered by Patience • Envy: excessive desire of what another has • Can lead to jealousy, stealing • Can be countered by Kindness • Pride: excessive love of self • Considered the worst of the Seven Deadly Sins because it leads to the others • Can be countered by Humility