Unit IV: What kind of Person Does the Church Want Me to Become? SIN Unit IV: What kind of Person Does the Church Want Me to Become?

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?

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?

TYPES OF 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

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

OTHER 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

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 Social Sin in the Church Social Sin in the U.S. 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

The Seven Deadly Sins Lust: excessive sexual thoughts 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 Greed: excessive acquisition of wealth 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

If sinful behavior is humanity’s “bad news”, the good news is that we are capable of virtuous behavior The Catholic Church teaches two main kinds of virtues attainable by every human person. The Three Theological Virtues The Four Cardinal Virtues THE VIRTUES

The Theological Virtues Faith, Hope and Love Help us to become more like God Only attainable through God’s grace Can be asked for in prayer The Theological Virtues

Faith and Hope Faith Hope Perfects the mind Enables us to believe that which we cannot understand Hope Perfects the will Enables us to trust in that which we cannot control Faith and Hope

Love Love The greatest of the theological virtues Also called charity; agape, caritas Perfects the heart Enables us to love as God loves—universally, unconditionally and completely Love God with your whole heart, mind, soul, strength Love your neighbor Love your enemies Love

The Cardinal Virtues Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, and Temperance Cardinal, from the word cardo, “hinge” The hinges on which all moral life pivots. Help us to become better human beings Can be learned and practiced by anyone The Cardinal Virtues

Prudence The first and most important of the cardinal virtues Focused on the self Defined as “Correct knowledge about what ought to be done and what ought to be avoided” BUT—how do I know I am doing the right thing and not what I want to do? Good counsel: ask God, yourself, and a trusted person Prudence

Justice Focused on the relationship we have with others Defined as “the determination to give to others what is rightfully due them.” Morally or legally—an action, a possession, something exacted (such as redress or punishment) Justice helps us moderate between our self-interest and the rights and needs of others Justice

Fortitude Also called “courage” Defined as “that which allows us to overcome our fear and steady our will in the face of obstacles” Prudence and justice help us decide what should be done, and fortitude gives us the strength to do it. Fortitude is NOT recklessness, rashness, or foolhardiness (which is why it is governed by prudence!) Fortitude

Temperance Also called “restraint” or “moderation” Defined as “moderation in action, thought, or feeling” Temperance has different names depending on which impulse is being restrained Ex. abstinence, to help one refrain from indulgence in alcohol or sex Temperance aids us in the combatting of the Deadly Sins Ex. Proper release of anger works against Wrath, etc. Temperance

How do I become a good person? Good Character Good Habits Good Actions Good Thoughts We have a natural capacity for good character, but it must be developed through constant practice. Good leaders (parents, teachers, civic leaders) are necessary to guide us in the development of good habits.