The 7 Deadly Sins
The Roman Catholic Church developed a list of vices to educate humanity on the various temptations that may overtake us. I found this list helpful in classifying the root of my sins. Until recently, I never knew that the Roman Catholic Church also recognizes Seven Holy Virtues which correspond to each of the Seven Deadly Sins.
Vice Virtue
Lust (excessive sexual appetites) Chastity (purity of soul)
Gluttony (over-indulgence) Temperance (self-restraint)
Greed (avarice) Charity (giving)
Sloth (idleness) Diligence (zeal/integrity)
Wrath (anger) Forgiveness (composure)
Envy (jealousy) Kindness (admiration)
Pride (vanity) Humility (humbleness)
It's interesting to know that a debate has ensued about the sin which encompasses the others. For instance, is lust an over-indulgence of sexuality or a laziness (sloth) to be chaste or a self-centered desire to please oneself (pride)?
What do you think?
9 comments:
we could debate these things endlessly, but what purpose would that serve? The point is are we clean vessels for the service God has called us to? What are we doing to become clean especially as leaders?
I don't think the point of this post is to debate things endlessly as the prior person commented. The point is to learn how to live as Jesus lived, and this provides aid in that.
I like the comparison you've provided. I think the church often says - don't do, don't do, but it's less clear on how not to do it. This shows what disciplines we need to engage in to avoid the sins - aka if I struggle with envy, I need to focus on admiring another in a genuine way and showing kindness, if I struggle with pride, I need to seek out opportunities to be humbled and do things that don't get much praise.
I love this quote of Martin Luther's on the chastity issue - "Chastity is not in our power, as little as are God's other wonders and graces." It is truly by the power of the Holy Spirit that we engage in any of the virtues.
I think lust isn't only sexual. lust of the flesh/eyes/mind can mean a number of things.
Hey Joe! Great question bro. I'd like to answer with another question. What do all these deadly sins have in common? Miss ya man! Eager to be in the Valley in just four short months!
This is a good reminder that one sin may bare another one.
even though someone may say "sin is sin" and that some are not worse than others...why is it that society within church often places more emphasis on sexual sin? why is it that when someone is prideful to a point of hurting other people consistantly we are quickly to forgive and move on...than someone who accidentally gets pregnant out of marriage? why do people gossip and talk about that more?
why are there more books written on how to avoid sexual sin vs. jealousy, etc.?
As one that was raised in the Catholic Church - Latin mass - and rebelled against it for it's excessive manipulation of people strictly, I see this as part of the bigger problem posed. The Catholic Church is very works based, and by giving one a list of opposites it encourages others to try to rid themselves of sin by being on the nice side of the ledger as opposed to accepting Christ's propiciation. I have a friend that has glommed onto the Catholic Church and in discussion with him he advised me that the Church as determined it is a MORTAL SIN for someone to seek answers in the bible for himself - they are to seek a priest.
Pride.
All sin starts with pride.
I know I'm right, I'm so smart....
And humble.
it's interesting how Jesus also does this in the sermon on the mount...He contrasts that which is sinful with the virtuous behavior required by the law.
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