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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. https://www. youtube. com/watch. v=s3iOar7VIeU https://www. youtube