Sin and Forgiveness

pp. 283-290

What is sin?

Sin is an intentional act, through word or deed:

Committed freely and with deliberate action.

Not considered a mistake or an error.

Sins are actions or omissions:

Action that I do or do not do on purpose.

They violate God’s law of love.

We must admit responsibility and bear the consequences.

Guilt is the internal burden of sin.

Sins can be venial or mortal:

Sins can be destructive to our relationship with God, others and ourselves leading to permanent death (mortal). They can be less serious however they still turn us away from God (venial).

See pg. 285 for the Catechism’s definition

Sin destroys the relational:

It is a breach of the covenant with God or falling short of that covenant (according to the bible).

This happens when we live for created goods like money and power rather than God (like creating false gods).

We deliberately choose to distance ourselves from God and our neighbour.

Sin is an enduring state of hard-heartedness or moral blindness:

Habitual sin can reshape the core or our being (destroy humanity in our hearts, esteem the dehumanizing fantasies of our mind and close down our hope of becoming a truly loving person).

It corrodes our capacity to love others.

It causes an alienation with God, others, nature and ourselves (contrary to the communion of love).

The impact of sin on institutions and society What impact does sin have as it spreads

throughout the institutions of society?

Social or structural evil manifests in many ways and under many names: Apartheid, Holocaust, ethnic cleansing, genocide, anti-Semitism, fascism, terrorism etc.

Seeking to understand social evilAccording to Vern Redekop and Rene Girard, social evils arise when basic needs are not met due to particular historical or social conditions.

Threats to identity

Rivalries

Need for scapegoats

Mortal Sin

1) Sin must be of a grave nature2) The sinner must have full knowledge (that it is a

sin)3) The sinner must fully consent (to violating his or

her conscience)

If you die in a state of mortal sin, you go to hell. The Sacrament of Reconciliation removes the stain of mortal sin.

When in a state of mortal sin, we MUST receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation to restore ourselves in God’s eyes.

Venial Sin

Less serious sins where we don’t live up to moral law, or when we commit a mortal sin without knowledge and consent.

Venial sins don’t deprive us from salvation, but they do turn us away from God and can lead to mortal sin. It is recommended to seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation from time to time to remove these sins as well.

Recall: Path to God example

Imagine your spiritual path to God is a straight line from where you are standing to face the crucifix.

When you are in a state of grace, you are perfectly lined up to reach the crucifix; venial sins turn you away from the crucifix – you can still reach the crucifix though.

Mortal sin is like you having been locked outside the classroom – you cannot reach the crucifix.

Reconciliation lets you back in the room and put you back in line with the crucifix (Restores us from venial mortal sins).

Sin (Blasphemy) Against the Spirit The only sin that is not forgiven.

If we deliberately refuse to accept God’s mercy through repenting; if you reject the forgiveness of sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit, it can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss.