Catechism index

1851. 1851 II. The Definition of Sin It is precisely in the Passion, when the mercy of Christ is about to vanquish it, that sin most clearly manifests its violence and its many forms: unbelief, murderous hatred, shunning and … →
1852. 1852 III. The Different Kinds of Sins There are a great many kinds of sins. Scripture provides several lists of them. the Letter to the Galatians contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit: "Now … →
1853. 1853 III. The Different Kinds of Sins Sins can be distinguished according to their objects, as can every human act; or according to the virtues they oppose, by excess or defect; or according to the commandments they violate. They … →
1854. 1854 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin Sins are rightly evaluated according to their gravity. the distinction between mortal and venial sin, already evident in Scripture, 129 became part of the tradition of the Church. It is corroborated by … →
1855. 1855 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God's law; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude, by preferring … →
1856. 1856 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin Mortal sin, by attacking the vital principle within us - that is, charity - necessitates a new initiative of God's mercy and a conversion of heart which is normally accomplished within the … →
1857. 1857 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met: "Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent." … →
1858. 1858 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin Grave matter is specified by the Ten Commandments, corresponding to the answer of Jesus to the rich young man: "Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear … →
1859. 1859 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin Mortal sin requires full knowledge and complete consent. It presupposes knowledge of the sinful character of the act, of its opposition to God's law. It also implies a consent sufficiently deliberate to … →
1860. 1860 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin Unintentional ignorance can diminish or even remove the imputability of a grave offense. But no one is deemed to be ignorant of the principles of the moral law, which are written in … →
1861. 1861 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin Mortal sin is a radical possibility of human freedom, as is love itself. It results in the loss of charity and the privation of sanctifying grace, that is, of the state of … →
1862. 1862 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin One commits venial sin when, in a less serious matter, he does not observe the standard prescribed by the moral law, or when he disobeys the moral law in a grave matter, … →
1863. 1863 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin Venial sin weakens charity; it manifests a disordered affection for created goods; it impedes the soul's progress in the exercise of the virtues and the practice of the moral good; it merits … →
1864. 1864 IV. The Gravity of Sin: Mortal and Venial Sin "Whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin." 136 There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to … →
1865. 1865 V. The Proliferation of Sin Sin creates a proclivity to sin; it engenders vice by repetition of the same acts. This results in perverse inclinations which cloud conscience and corrupt the concrete judgment of good and evil. … →
1866. 1866 V. The Proliferation of Sin Vices can be classified according to the virtues they oppose, or also be linked to the capital sins which Christian experience has distinguished, following St. John Cassian and St. Gregory the Great. … →
1867. 1867 V. The Proliferation of Sin The catechetical tradition also recalls that there are "sins that cry to heaven": the blood of Abel, 139 The sin of the Sodomites, 140 The cry of the people oppressed in Egypt, … →
1868. 1868 V. The Proliferation of Sin Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them: - by participating directly and voluntarily in them; - by ordering, … →
1869. 1869 V. The Proliferation of Sin Thus sin makes men accomplices of one another and causes concupiscence, violence, and injustice to reign among them. Sins give rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to the divine … →
1870. 1870 IN BRIEF "God has consigned all men to disobedience, that he may have mercy upon all" (Rom 11:32). →