SIN
Unit IV: What kind of Person Does the
Church Want Me to Become?
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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?
Modern definition of sin:
A sin is any action that alienates or cuts us off
from ourselves, others, and God.
WHAT IS A SIN?
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
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TYPES OF SIN
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
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TYPES OF SIN
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.
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TYPES OF SIN
Sin of Commission vs. Sin of
Omission
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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.
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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
Personal Sin vs. Social Sin
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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:
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The prophets of the Hebrew Scriptures; John the Baptist;
Jesus—all openly challenged the social sins of their leaders
Modern Examples:
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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
Social Sin in the Church
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Historically: Anti-Semitism, Anti-Islamism
Recently: Sexual Abuse, cover-up of abuse
Social Sin in the U.S.
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Historically: Slavery, Sexism, Racism
Recently:………..?
Is there Social Sin at SMCHS?
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Is there Racism, Homophobia, Classism, Sexism?
How is Bullying a Social Sin?
How is Cheating a Social Sin?
SOCIAL SIN
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
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
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