Sin: An Overview Defining Sin Types of Sin The Origin of Sin Mercy

Defining Sin The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines sin as, “an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to eternal law.” It is an offence against reason Wounds the nature of man Injures human solidarity “It is failure in genuine love for God and neighbor caused by perverse attachment to certain goods” –CCC 1849

Two Kinds of Sin Venial: “Allows charity to subsist, even though it offends and wounds it.” (CCC 1855) These sins weaken our relationship with God, but does not completely sever it . Δ Mortal: Destroys charity and the life of Christ that is within a person.

Three Things That Make Up a Mortal Sin 1. Δ Grave Matter Breaking the Ten Commandments Some sins are graver than others Ex. Murder is graver than theft, but both are considered mortal sins

2. Δ Full Knowledge Unintentional Ignorance can diminish or remove the gravity of the sin However, there must be a distinction made with ignorance. Vincible Ignorance: A person chooses to remain in ignorance, though they have the resources or opportunities to receive knowledge Invincible Ignorance: the person is not responsible for his erroneous judgment because they have never been exposed to Truth, however these acts are still disordered.

3. Δ Deliberate Consent Willingly choosing sin What about someone who is addicted to a sin? Addictions remove the person’s freedom and will, so addicts do not always deliberately consent to their actions Ex. An alcoholic can’t ‘sober up’ overnight. Not always a black and white scenario

The Origin of Sin: Genesis 3 Genesis reveals our own struggle with sin Greed, Lust, Power Even Jesus was tempted by these sins (Lk 4:1-13) The Devil goes after Eve first Eve was the masterpiece of God’s creation Adam and Eve’s sin impacted human nature: original sin

The Effects of Original Sin Δ Concupiscence: man’s inclination to sin Intellect is darkened Will is weakened Death: both spiritual and physical

Felix Culpa-Happy Fault “The Lord knew that Adam would fall and then be redeemed by Christ. Happy ruin, that has such a beautiful reparation!” –St. Ambrose The “happy ruin” of Adam made possible Christ’s act of salvation Through Christ, man is now elevated by nature to attain eternal happiness with God in heaven

Gen 3:15- The First Good News (Protoevanglium) Though sin brought death to the world, God brought something greater out of it Gen 3:15- The First Good News (Protoevanglium) The promise of a Savior Now we have the chance to participate in the life of Christ to be A message of hope and love

Mercy “God created us without us: but he did not will to save us without us.” –St. Augustine Δ God’s response to our sin: grace and mercy and forgiveness Our response: Δ Perfect Contrition: sorry for one’s sins out of love for God Imperfect Contrition: sorry for one’s sins out of fear for the consequences Δ Confession: Necessary for mortal sins to be forgiven Conversion

Mercy: In Light of the Passion “At the very hour of darkness, the hour of the prince of this world, the sacrifice of Christ secretly becomes the source from which the forgiveness of our sins will pour forth inexhaustibly.” CCC 1851 He who was without sin, became sin, so that which kept us from God would be destroyed. (2 Cor 5) Jewish context: Day of Atonement Jesus does what we could never do: restore our relationship with God

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