Chapter 7: Sin and Conversion
OUR MORAL LIFE IN CHRIST
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Write a five-minute response to Bernard Nathanson’s conversion
story.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
BASIC QUESTIONS
 What is the origin and character of Original Sin?
 What are the origin and nature of physical and moral evil?
KEY IDEAS
 Through Original Sin, the human race lost many of the privileges that
Adam and Eve enjoyed, and, instead, each person inherits at
conception a wounded nature inclined to sin.
 Physical evil and moral evil both entered the world through Original
Sin. Physical evil is the physical and mental suffering man experiences,
sometimes because of natural causes. Moral evil is a deliberate
infraction of God’s Law or a rejection of his will. Most of the suffering
of the world is caused by moral evil.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What does Nathanson mean by the “hour of the wolf ”?
He means the early morning, four or five a.m., when he would awaken in
despair.
What did he wish for during that time?
To be acquitted by some invisible jury of his crimes.
How is despising oneself the beginning of the quest for human dignity?
Perhaps this means that if you despise yourself, you must have some standard,
some sense of what you should be but are not. Despising self is the opposite
of appreciating one’s dignity, but if one exists, so must the other.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What does Nathanson mean when he says, “There had been no
concrete cost to my corrupt actions”?
Nathanson was sorry he had committed so many murders. Nonetheless,
he made a lot of money, had not been punished, and the law actually
protected him.
What made Nathanson begin to believe God might exist?
Nathanson began to believe that God might exist when he witnessed the
peace and confidence of prolife demonstrators, even though the
government, the police, foul-mouthed prochoice demonstrators, and even
the weather were against them. He wondered what “Force” could be
directing them.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What does Original Sin mean for an innocent, newborn baby?
The baby has committed no actual sin but inherits a wounded nature.
What is concupiscence?
It is the condition of man’s wounded nature that is inclined to sin.
What is physical evil?
Physical evil is a natural and often catastrophic hardship that causes
physical harm to man. Examples include tornadoes, tidal waves, and
epidemics. Physical evil includes all physical and mental sufferings man
experiences.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is moral evil?
Moral evil is a deliberate infraction of God’s Law or a rejection of God’s
will that harms both the acting subject and those individuals who are the
objects of that act.
What is the source of most of the suffering in the world?
Moral evil is the source of most of the misery people suffer.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Think/Pair/Share on the following question:
 What is some evidence that each of us possesses a wounded
nature inclined to sin?
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
Complete the following table to list the privileges Adam and Eve enjoyed before the Fall and the
corresponding consequences of their sin for all their descendents.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is the relationship between both kinds of evils and Original Sin?
Both physical and moral evil entered the world with Original Sin, and much
physical evil is directly caused by moral evil.
Outside of physical evil that is the result of natural forces, does moral evil
sometimes result in physical evil?
Grinding poverty, famine, and starvation can be caused by evil regimes. Pollution,
contamination, and infectious diseases can be caused by man’s failure to act as a
good steward of creation. Assault causes physical harm to the victim.
Extension: If one chooses to commit the moral evil of getting drunk, he or she
can expect to suffer the physical evil of a hangover.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
 Study Questions 1-10 (p. 174)
 Workbook Questions 1-3
 Read “What Is Sin?” (pp. 145-146)
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
CLOSURE
Write a well-organized paragraph on the state of mankind before
and after the fall of Adam and Eve.
1. Introduction (pp. 140-144)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Assume that someone rejects the existence of Original Sin. What
evidence can you offer to show that Original Sin is, nevertheless, a
very sensible doctrine that accounts for the state of the world
today?
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Incorporate the Parable of the Prodigal Son into the Opening
Prayer and then complete Practical Exercise 1 on “God, freedom,
sin, and repentance.”
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
BASIC QUESTION
 What is sin?
KEY IDEA
 There are three classic definitions of sin: anything that violates eternal
law, anything that violates the moral law, and any disordered love for
created things over God.
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How is all sin a form of idolatry?
The sinner places the good he expects to receive before God’s will.
How do sins of the flesh especially reflect inordinate attachment to
created goods or selfish goals, which take precedence over the will
of God?
Under the influence of sensual desire, a person rejects God’s will to
satisfy his or her desire.
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is the effect of sin on the human heart?
While sin poses as something that will satisfy the heart, in fact, it leaves
the person feeling empty.
Why is sin the only real evil on earth?
Only sin can harm the soul.
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
Complete the following table to summarize the three classic definitions of sin.
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Work with a partner to analyze Christ’s advice from the Gospel of St.
Matthew in light of St. Thomas Aquinas’s definition of sin as an
inordinate love for creatures:
 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust
consume and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves
treasures in Heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where
thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also.” (Mt 6:19-21)
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is dignity?
Dignity is worthiness, or that which makes man deserving of respect.
How does sin rob man of dignity?
It lessens man’s high standing to some degree, reduces his freedom and
self-control, and distances him from God.
Why is it an error to see sin only as a direct, malicious affront
against God?
Direct malice toward God is not necessary to sin.
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT




Study Questions 11-19 (p. 174)
Practical Exercise 1 (p. 177)
Workbook Questions 4-5
Read “Sin in Sacred Scriptures” (pp. 147-148)
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
CLOSURE
Write a well-organized paragraph on the three definitions of sin
using the Graphic Organizer: “Three Classic Definitions of Sin
presented in this lesson.”
2. What Is Sin? (pp. 145-146)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Work with a partner to identify the relationship between evil and
sin.
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Brainstorming session of examples of people sinning in the Old
Testament.
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
BASIC QUESTION
 How is sin presented in the Old and New Testaments?
KEY IDEAS
 The Old Testament likens sin to a child’s disobedience to a loving
father and to an adulterous wife’s unfaithfulness to a loving husband.
 In the New Testament, sin is divinely personalized in Christ, who
underwent suffering to redeem fallen man.
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
FOCUS QUESTION
What is the overriding notion of sin in the Old Testament?
The overriding notion of sin is infidelity to a loving Father who lavishes
his blessings on his people. Obedience to God’s Law demonstrates love
of God and results in protection and generous assistance. Disobedience
or rejection of his Law is infidelity to God’s covenant and ingratitude for
his unmitigated love.
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How do Isaiah and Hosea represent sin?
As marital infidelity.
What are the expected and the actual results of Israel’s infidelity?
The expected penalty for Israel's infidelity would be cancellation of the
benefits of the covenant, banishment, and death. The actual result is a
merciful offer of reconciliation.
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Paragraph shrink on the paragraph beginning, “The reparation
and Redemption...” (p. 148).
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What does it mean to say that, in the New Testament, sin is more
divinely personalized than in the Old Testament?
Sin is divinely personalized in the New Testament in that human sin is the
reason for the Incarnation and the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.
What do both Testaments reveal about sin?
They both reveal how sin damages man and how God ardently wants to
forgive the sinner. The analogy that began as an offended lover culminates
with the love of Jesus Christ, demonstrated by his Death on the Cross.
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Think/Pair/Share on the following prompt:
 Relate the Old Testament sense of sin as an action that abuses God’s
love and prevents his sons and daughters from receiving his loving care
to one of the classic definitions of sin.
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT




Study Questions 20-23 (p. 174)
Practical Exercise 2 (p. 177)
Workbook Question 6
Read “Mortal and Venial Sins,” “Mortal, Grave, or Venial?” and “The
Many Faces of Sin” (pp. 149-150, 170-171)
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
CLOSURE
Write a paragraph summarizing how each of the two Testaments
view sin.
3. Sin in Sacred Scriptures (pp. 147-148)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Watch the clip from the film “The Passion of the Christ” in which Christ
is nailed to the Cross, and then individually complete Practical Exercise 2 in
writing.
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Discuss Practical Exercise 4, whether we have an obligation to
make up for evils done by our ancestors.
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
BASIC QUESTIONS
 What is mortal sin?
 What is venial sin?
 In what other ways can sins be classified?
KEY IDEAS
 Mortal sin is a grave matter, carried out with full knowledge and with
complete consent of the will. It separates one from God.
 Venial sin is a lesser offense against God that does not definitively
separate one from him.
 Besides mortal and venial, sins may also be classified according to
whether they are Original or actual, formal or material, of commission
or omission, social or structural, or external or internal.
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Think/Pair/Share:
 Since it is not possible to commit a mortal sin by accident, does it
follow that one cannot commit a mortal sin without a desire to offend
God directly or explicitly?
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
Complete the following
table to help understand the
various ways of classifying
sin.
Class of Sin
4. Mortal and Venial
Sins (pp. 149-150)
Origin
Intent
Form of
Sin
Original
Definition of Sin
Actual
Actual sin is sin committed
personally by an individual
through deliberate choice.
A formal sin is a voluntary and
freely chosen action contrary to
the Law of God.
Formal
Material
Manner
Social or
Structural
Dimension
Original Sin is the sin of
disobedience committed by
Adam and Eve.
A material sin is an involuntary
transgression committed
without either required
knowledge or full deliberation.
Commission A sin of commission consists in
sinning through something one
does (an act or action).
Omission
A sin of omission occurs when
a required act is not taken.
Social
Structural
Manifestation External
Internal
Every sin is a social sin because
in some way it harms every
person.
Structural sin is one of the
consequences of personal sin
that has an ill effect on the
community. A structure of sin
comes in the form of a mindset
that accepts and justifies a
grievously sinful practice as if it
were a right or even a good.
External sin is committed by
words or actions.
Internal sin is committed
through thought or desire.
Example of This
Type of Sin
Adam and Eve’s sin is
the only example of
this. However, each
person is conceived
needing the salvific
grace of God.
One sibling steals
money from the
other’s piggy bank.
I eat the last piece of
chocolate cake in the
fridge even though my
mom told me it was
for my sister.
I eat the last piece of
chocolate cake. I did
not hear my mom say
it was for my sister
because I was listening
to music.
I damage my enemy’s
car.
I do not tell my enemy
I noticed his car’s
brake lines are leaking,
and he gets hurt in an
accident.
Every sin is an
example of this.
The legalization and
widespread practice of
abortion make it easier
for abortions to take
place.
I tell my sister she is
ugly to make her mad.
I hope my sister does
something to get her in
big trouble.
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is a venial sin?
It is a less serious act that offends the love of God without separating us
from him.
What is mortal sin?
It is a grave offense against God that destroys our relationship with him.
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
At what moment is a sin committed?
At the moment that the person makes the act of the will directly or indirectly
rejecting God’s will.
Why should we confess venial sin?
Because venial sin weakens our relationship with God, we should confess venial
sins frequently in order to avoid mortal sin.
Why should we worry about venial sins?
Besides the fact that they offend God, they can lead to mortal sin and a life of
vice.
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is the usual means of restoring our relationship to God after
committing a mortal sin?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation.
What are the three conditions that must be met for a sin to be mortal?
It must be a grave matter carried out with full knowledge with complete
consent of the will.
What is the effect on the gravity of the sin if one of the three
conditions for mortal sin is not met?
It is a venial sin.
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Think/Pair/Write/Share on the following question using “Mortal, Grave,
or Venial?” (p. 170):
 Based on your knowledge of erroneous ethical systems such as situation
ethics, consequentialism, proportionalism, and the fundamental option,
why might some want to create a new class of “grave” sin, in addition to
mortal and venial sin?
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT




Study Questions 24-32 (pp. 174-175)
Practical Exercises 3-7 (p. 177)
Workbook Questions 7-9
Read “Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin” (pp. 150-153)
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
CLOSURE
Write a paragraph defining and explaining the distinction
between mortal and venial sins.
4. Mortal and Venial Sins (pp. 149-150)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Work in groups of three or four to complete Practical Exercise 6 on
the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats and sins of omission.
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Work with a partner to write a bullet-point summary of Supplementary
Reading 3 from “In the Beginning” by Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger on the
loss of the sense of sin. (See Supplementary Reading for a sample summary.)
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
BASIC QUESTIONS
 What is the loss of the sense of sin?
 What factors contribute to this loss?
KEY IDEAS
 The loss of the sense of sin is the decline of people’s belief in the
reality of the evil of sin.
 The general loss of the sense of sin in Western society has been
influenced by moral relativism, faulty psychology, confusion between
what is legal and what is moral, and secular humanism.
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What do “the loss of the meaning of sin” and “the loss of sense of sin”
mean?
“The loss of the meaning of sin” refers to the idea that sin does not have any
real importance; for example, the word “sin” is just a label to describe arbitrary
norms of moral conduct. “The loss of the sense of sin” is acceptance of
behavior that was once universally rejected.
Why is the recovery of the sense of sin the first step in establishing the
Kingdom of God?
If you do not know you are a sinner and do not realize you are capable of
committing any sin, you will not see your need for help or your need for God.
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
FOCUS QUESTION
What is meant by faulty psychology contributing to the loss of the
sense of sin?
Psychology contributes to the loss of the sense of sin when psychological
arguments are used to attack Christian morality. For example, some
people claim that self-control is unhealthy repression or that guilt and
shame are evils, rather than reliable indicators of a healthy conscience
reacting to sin.
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Imagine you are an African-American moral relativist who was suddenly
transported back to the United States during the 1830s. Runaway-slave
hunters capture you and sell you to a plantation owner who puts you to
work.
 On what basis would you argue that slavery is wrong and all of the slaves
should be released?
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How does confusion between what is moral and what is legal
decrease the sense of sin?
People falsely conclude that, if something is legal, it must be moral,
whereas, in fact, an immoral law must be opposed by conscience.
What is secular humanism?
It is a philosophy that rejects any reference to God or religion and seeks
the improvement of human society through purely human means.
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
FOCUS QUESTION
How does secular humanism contribute to the loss of the sense of
sin?
While there is no inherent reason a philosophy based on reason should
increase immorality, secular humanism has adopted positions opposed to
the traditional understanding of the moral law. It is anti-religious, rejects
the idea of a universal moral law, and leaves moral decisions up to the
individual seeking happiness during this life.
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
GUIDED EXERCISE
The following is a quote from the Humanist Manifesto II (1973):
 In the area of sexuality, we believe that intolerant attitudes, often cultivated by orthodox
religions and puritanical cultures, unduly repress sexual conduct. The right to contraception,
abortion, and divorce should be recognized. While we do not approve of exploitive,
denigrating forms of sexual expression, neither do we wish to prohibit, by law or social
sanction, sexual behavior between consenting adults. The many varieties of sexual
exploration should not in themselves be considered “evil.” Without countenancing mindless
permissiveness or unbridled promiscuity, a civilized society should be a tolerant one. Short
of harming others or compelling them to do likewise, individuals should be permitted to
express their sexual proclivities and pursue their lifestyles as they desire. We wish to
cultivate the development of a responsible attitude toward sexuality, in which humans are
not exploited as sexual objects, and in which intimacy, sensitivity, respect, and honesty in
interpersonal relations are encouraged. Moral education for children and adults is an
important way of developing awareness and sexual maturity.
 Discuss how following this belief about human sexuality will result in a lessening of the
sense of sin.
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
 Study Questions 33-41 (p. 175)
 Workbook Questions 10-21
 Read “Cooperation in Evil” through “Effects of Sin,” and “God
Forgives, So Why Confess?” (pp. 153-156)
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
CLOSURE
Write a paragraph about the causes of a loss of the sense of sin
examined in this lesson you consider to be most important.
5. Causes of the Loss of the Sense of Sin
(pp. 150-153)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Free write on ideas of how to help young people develop a
healthy fear of committing sin and a healthy loathing of sin.
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Discuss the following question to introduce the idea of cooperation with evil.
What degree of responsibility does each of the following persons have in the
9/11 bombings?





The hijacker who flew one of the planes into the building.
A person who bankrolled the hijacking but was not on one of the planes.
A cleric who preached the Koran authorizes jihad against infidels.
A flight instructor who trained one of the hijackers.
A person on the street who cheered when he or she learned of the attacks.
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
BASIC QUESTIONS
 What are formal, implicit formal, and material forms of cooperation in evil?
 What are the effects of mortal and venial sins on our souls?
 Under what circumstances is the Sacrament of Reconciliation necessary?
KEY IDEAS
 One may never explicitly or implicitly cooperate in the sin of another, but
material cooperation in evil may be permitted under certain conditions.
 Mortal sin destroys charity in the soul and if not confessed will result in
eternal damnation. Venial sin does not destroy charity but can lead to greater
sins if not checked.
 Confession of mortal sins is necessary because it is part of God’s economy of
salvation.
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
GRAPHIC ORGANIZER
Complete the following table listing all the effects you can identify of mortal and venial sins on the soul.
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Think/Pair/Share on the following prompt:
In the example of someone who stocks shelves in a store that sells
contraceptives, how would the clerk’s moral responsibility change under the
following conditions?
 He works in a kiosk that only sells contraceptives.
 He is the owner of a store that sells contraceptives.
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Read “God Forgives, So Why Confess?” (p. 156).
Complete Practical Exercise 9 about the need for Confession.
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why may one never cooperate in the sin of another?
If you do, you sin also.
Define formal cooperation, and provide an example.
Formal cooperation, or explicit formal cooperation, is a willing cooperation in an
evil act, such as a doctor who assists another doctor in performing an abortion.
What is implicit formal cooperation, and what is an example of it?
Implicit formal cooperation means not directly taking part in the act but making
the act easier or possible to be performed. It is consent and cooperation in the
evil act. An example is voting for a law allowing same-sex “marriage.”
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is material cooperation in evil?
It is when one plays a role in an evil act but does not deliberately consent to
it. For example, a clerk in a large department store has to stock any shelves
that need stocking, including the contraceptives. Under certain conditions, a
person who materially cooperates in evil is not morally responsible.
What are the three conditions that allow material cooperation in an
evil?
(1) The evil must not be a direct result of the cooperator’s act. (2) The
cooperator must not intend the evil that occurs. (3) There must be no
possibility of scandal. Extension: According to St. Thomas Aquinas, scandal
is a word or evil action that occasions another’s spiritual ruin.
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
CLOSURE
Write a paragraph summarizing one of the three Basic Questions
of this lesson.
6. Cooperation in Evil and Effects of Sin
(pp. 153-155)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Revisit the Anticipatory Set of this lesson and reevaluate your assessments
of the moral responsibility of some of the persons involved in the 9/11
attacks using the categories of formal, implicit, and material cooperation in
evil.
 A hijacker who flew one of the planes into the building.
 A person who bankrolled the hijacking but was not on one of the planes.
 A cleric who preached the Koran authorizes jihad against infidels.
 A flight instructor who trained one of the hijackers.
 A person on the street who cheered when he or she learned of the
attacks.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Incorporate Luke 19:1-10, the story of Zacchaeus, into the Opening
Prayer. This lesson will focus on the change God wants to happen inside
each person.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
BASIC QUESTIONS
 In what sense are our sins offensive to God?
 In God’s economy of salvation, how are sins forgiven?
 What is man’s part in the forgiveness of sins?
KEY IDEAS
 The Lord is offended by sin not because he incurs a certain pain, but rather
because of the damage brought upon ourselves, damage he will heal with our
repentance.
 Although God can forgive sins any way he wishes, his forgiveness is especially
channeled through the Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation. All sins
committed after Baptism can be forgiven through the Sacrament of
Reconciliation.
 Real contrition requires sorrow for sin and purpose of amendment. Contrition
can be perfect or imperfect.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Mini-lecture on God’s forgiveness and our freedom.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Work with a partner to think of three situations that a high school or
college student ought to avoid if he or she really wants to follow Christ.
For each situation, think of a positive alternative.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What theme did St. John the Baptist and Christ share in their public preaching?
The need to repent or turn away from sin is a prerequisite to accepting the Gospel.
What are the apparent and real meanings of the expression that God is “offended”
by our sins?
The apparent meaning is that God gets upset at our offenses, just like we would. The
actual meaning, however, is that he sees the injury we inflict on ourselves, something
against his will.
What is the mystery of God’s love?
God is like the lover who suffers when his beloved is injured in any way. God is “hurt” by
our self-inflicted sins to the point that he was willing to undergo an infinity of suffering
in his Passion and Death on the Cross.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What sins cannot be forgiven in the Sacrament of Reconciliation?
Every sin can be forgiven.
What are the two main channels of God’s forgiveness?
The Sacraments of Baptism and Reconciliation.
Why is it necessary to confess mortal sins in kind and number?
The minister of the Sacrament has to make a judgment and needs to
know the specific nature of the sin and how habitual it has become.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
FOCUS QUESTION
Why is confession of venial sins not necessary but recommended?
Venial sins do not sever one’s friendship with Christ. Nevertheless, it is
good to confess them in the Sacrament of Reconciliation because it does
forgive those sins and gives one grace to avoid them in the future.
Extension: Frequent Confession also helps form the habit of going to
Confession, so that if one unfortunately does commit a mortal sin, it is
easier to confess it.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Think/Pair/Write/Share on the following question:
 Why must contrition include the intention to never commit the sin
again?
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is contrition?
Contrition is sorrow for having offended God and firm purpose of avoiding
sin in the future.
What is the difference between perfect and imperfect contrition?
Perfect contrition is sorrow that springs from love of God. Imperfect
contrition is sorrow that comes from fear of bad consequences, such as
punishment.
If perfect contrition forgives sin, why is it necessary to go to
Confession?
One never knows if his or her own contrition is really perfect.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
 Study Questions 50-58 (p. 176)
 Workbook Questions 24-32
 Read “The Last Things” through “Conclusion” (pp. 160-166)
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
CLOSURE
Write a paragraph explaining conversion.
7. Conversion and Forgiveness, The Sacrament
of Reconciliation and Contrition (pp. 155-160)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Discuss the story of the conversion of Zacchaeus in terms of
repentance, perfect or imperfect contrition, and purpose of
amendment.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
ANTICIPATORY SET
Free write for a few minutes using the following question:
 Why does the pilgrim Church simply not free all the souls from
Purgatory as an act of mercy?
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
BASIC QUESTIONS
 What is the Particular Judgment?
 Can we help the souls in Purgatory?
 What are Hell, Heaven, and the Parousia?
KEY IDEAS
 The Particular Judgment is when each soul is judged by Christ immediately upon
death and then enters either Heaven (either directly or after purification) or Hell.
 We can aid the souls in Purgatory through our prayers, Masses, indulgences, alms,
and sacrifices.
 Hell is the state of self-chosen eternal separation from God, who is the only
source of life and happiness. Heaven is the state of complete happiness with the
rest of the blessed souls in enjoying the vision of God. The Parousia is the
Second Coming of Christ and the Final Judgment at the end of time.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why is death the end of one’s opportunity to shape his or her
supernatural destiny?
At death, the possibility of merit, demerit, or conversion ceases.
What are the three states awaiting the souls at their judgments?
The three states are Heaven, Purgatory (followed by Heaven), and Hell.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What are the two judgments spoken of in the New Testament?
There is (1) the final meeting with Christ when he comes again, which is
the Last or General Judgment, and (2) the judgment immediately after
each one’s death as a consequence of one’s faith and deeds, which is the
Particular Judgment.
What is the Particular Judgment?
Each person, in his immortal soul, stands before the judgment seat of
Christ and receives his eternal reward: Heaven, a period of purification
before Heaven, or eternal condemnation.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Work with a partner to perform a focused reading of the paragraph,
“Sin has a double...” (p. 163) using the following question:
 Why is sin, something that does not particularly bother many souls
before death, suddenly become painful in Purgatory?
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
GUIDED EXERCISE
The principal happiness of Heaven consists in the vision of God.
Guided meditation on the vision of God based on the ideas of
goodness, truth, and beauty.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is Heaven?
It is the state of everlasting life in which the blessed see God, become like him in
glory, and enjoy eternal happiness.
Are there different degrees of happiness in Heaven?
Yes. The souls in Heaven enjoy various degrees of happiness according to their
degree of love and friendship with God during their earthly life. However, each
person receives the full measure of happiness he or she can possess.
Of what does the happiness of Heaven consist?
It consists of the immediate vision of God, the full and perfect satisfaction of
every desire, and in the happy society of all the blessed.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Complete a paragraph shrink on the paragraph “Those who die...” (p.
163) in order to see how there is nothing cruel or vindictive about the
“fire” of Purgatory.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How can one help the holy souls in Purgatory?
The holy souls in Purgatory are helped both by the prayers and suffrages
of the pilgrim Church, as well as by the prayers of the Blessed Virgin
Mary and the saints.
Why are prayers for the dead a work of piety?
Piety is the fulfillment of obligation toward family members. We should
pray for those in our own natural and supernatural families.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why is prayer for the dead a work of mercy?
The souls in Purgatory cannot merit anything for themselves; therefore,
one shows mercy by asking their “time” be shortened.
Why is prayer for the dead an act of charity?
One is wishing for the good of others.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Why does Purgatory exist?
The soul must be completely purified and perfected before entering
Heaven.
Who is in Purgatory?
The souls of those who have died in grace, but having not fully paid the
punishment for their sins, are in Purgatory.
How long will Purgatory be in existence?
It will exist until the Final Judgment.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
Is Purgatory a place?
No. It is a state of existence. The separated souls, being spirits, do not
properly occupy space, although in common language we refer to
Purgatory as a “place” for these souls.
What does the Old Testament teach us about Purgatory?
In the Second Book of Maccabees, Judas Maccabeus took up a collection
among his soldiers to have a sacrifice made to atone for the dead soldiers
whom, he discovered, had committed idolatry.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
GUIDED EXERCISE
Discuss Hell using the following questions:
 Does God’s goodness preclude the existence of Hell?
 Can God save someone who refuses to be saved?
 Is it possible that someone would freely choose Hell, including freely
staying there?
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
How is Purgatory reflected in the practice of the Jews of the time
of Christ and today?
The Jews in his time prayed for the dead, and today this traditional Jewish
practice is continued in the praying of the Kaddish, prayers to reduce the
time spent in Gehenna for those who have died.
Why is praying for the dead an obligation of justice?
Some souls may be detained in Purgatory partly through a Christian’s own
fault, e.g., sins of commission or omission.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is the best way to help souls in Purgatory?
Offer the sacrifice of the Mass for them.
What are other ways to help the souls in Purgatory?
Indulgences can be applied to the dead, alms given in their memory, and
sacrifices offered up and penance done on their behalf.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is the Parousia?
It is the Second Coming of Christ, at which time he will appear in power
and majesty as judge and establish his Kingdom in all its fullness.
What does parousia mean?
It is Greek for apparition or presence.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What will happen at the General (Universal or Last) Judgment?
Christ will personally and publicly judge every human being and their
souls will be reunited to their glorified bodies.
What will happen to the universe after the Final Judgment?
The universe itself will be renewed as all things are perfectly re-created in
Christ.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTION
What will people learn at the Final Judgment?
They will understand the ultimate meaning of the whole work of creation
and of the entire economy of salvation. The Last Judgment will reveal
God’s justice and love. They will learn why God sometimes allowed the
good to suffer and the wicked to prosper, and they will see all the good
and bad effects of human actions.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
FOCUS QUESTIONS
What is Hell?
It is the eternal self-exclusion from communion with God and the blessed in
Heaven.
What are some images Christ used to describe Hell?
He spoke often of Hell as “fire” and “darkness” where there will be “weeping
and gnashing of teeth” as condemned souls are tormented “where their work
does not die.”
What is the chief punishment of Hell according to CCC 1035?
The chief punishment of Hell is eternal separation from God, in whom alone
man can possess the life and happiness for which he was created and for which
he longs.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
CLOSURE
Write a paragraph summarizing the Church’s doctrine on
Purgatory.
8. The Last Things (pp. 160-166)
ALTERNATIVE ASSESSMENT
Work with a partner to develop at least three apologetic
arguments in favor of the Church’s teachings on Purgatory.
THE END