"Reconciliation"
Sin
Human nature was created good by God, but was tainted through human choice to go against God. Sinner bears no responsibility for original sin and is overcome via the Sacrament of Baptism. Thus, original sin is ‘contracted’ rather than ‘committed’ personally, it is a state rather than an act.
Distinguishing various levels of sin
What is Sin?
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Turning away from God and seeking satisfaction in things which are much less than God
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Breaking a commandment
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Human weakness
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A rejection of God and his love
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Free choice to go against God; places us out of community and in isolation
What are the consequences of Sin?
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Hardening of the heart
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Dulling of the moral sense
What is Grace?
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Grace is God’s favor; free and undeserved help, strength and gift from God
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Participation in the life of God
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That which sanctifies us (makes us holy)
Grace is necessary in order for sin to be overcome as the sinner accepts responsibility for his/her actions and is truly sorry. It is only than that forgiveness is possible.
Latin: Venia = pardon, forgiveness.
Venial sins are forgivable sins as they weaken charity (love of God above all else) CCC#1863. They are considered to be less serious and are reparable. Also can be carried out where full consent and knowledge are not present.
Original Sin:
Social Sin:
A social sin is the sin of a group which leads to disharmony in the world, competing self-interests. It can also be considered a group of people together committing or permitting an injustice (CCC#1869).
Collective sin also corresponds with having collective guilt. Example is Nazism.
Non Grave Sin: Venial
Gave Sin: Mortal
Latin: Mors, mortis = death.
Mortal/grave sins are considered to be irreparable, serious and deadly (they kill the divine life in us).
They are serious acts of immorality carried out with full knowledge and full personal consent (not committed by accident) Decisive acts are coming from the core of our personality. Only through God's grace and God's choice to offer us forgiveness can overcome mortal sin. If we turn to God for repentance, God will forgive. Examples: Murder and adultery.