unit iv: what kind of person does the church want me to become? sin
TRANSCRIPT
Unit IV: What kind of Person Does the Church Want Me to Become?
SIN
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
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
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.
TYPES OF SIN
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
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
Social Sin in the Church Historically: Anti-Semitism, Anti-Islamism Recently: Sexual Abuse, cover-up of abuse
Social Sin in the U.S. Historically: Slavery, Sexism, Racism Recently:………..?
Is there Social Sin at SMCHS? Is there Racism, Homophobia, Classism, Sexism? How is Bullying a Social Sin? How is Cheating a Social Sin?
SOCIAL SIN
Originally a list of mortal sins
Better understood today as underlying attitudes that can lead to sinful behavior if left uncheckedLust: excessive sexual thoughtsCan lead to rape, sexual abuse, stalking, prostitution, pornCan be countered by Chastity
Gluttony: overindulgence to the point of wasteCan lead to hunger of others, misuse of resourcesCan 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 uncheckedGreed: excessive acquisition of wealthCan lead to poverty of others, economic woesCan be countered by Charity (caritas, agape)
Sloth: excessive indifference, failure to actCan lead to sins of omissionCan be countered by Diligence
The Seven Deadly Sins
Wrath: uncontrolled anger or hatredCan lead to rage, physical abuse, murderCan be countered by Patience
Envy: excessive desire of what another hasCan lead to jealousy, stealingCan be countered by Kindness
Pride: excessive love of self Considered the worst of the Seven Deadly Sins because it leads to the othersCan be countered by Humility
The Seven Deadly Sins