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 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 The Seven Deadly Sins