Christian Morality Unit 2 Vocabulary

anger (wrath)

A desire for revenge that prevents reconciliation, one of the capital sins

capital sins

Seven sins that are particularly harmful because they lead to and reinforce other sins and vices. The seven are traditionally called pride, covetousness (greed), envy, anger (wrath), gluttony, lust, and sloth

circumstances

The specific conditions or facts affecting a moral decision. Circumstances can increase or decrease the goodness or evil of an action.

common good

Social conditions that allow for all citizens of the earth, individuals and families, to meet basic needs and achieve fulfillment.

elect

Adults preparing to receive Baptism, Confirmation, and the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil who have been affirmed by the Church in the rite of election on the first Sunday of Lent.

envy

Resentment or sadness because of another person's good fortune. It is one of the capital sins and contrary to the Tenth Commandment.

gluttony

Excessive eating or drinking; a capital sin.

greed (covetousness)

The desire to accumulate earthly goods beyond what we need. It is one of the capital sins and contrary to the Tenth Commandment.

intention

The intended outcome or goal of the person choosing the object when making a moral decision.

lust

Intense and uncontrolled desire for sexual pleasure. It is one of the seven capital sins.

mortal sin

An action so contrary to the will of God that it results in a complete separation from God and his grace. As a consequence of that separation, the person is condemned to eternal death. For a sin to be a mortal sin, three conditions must be met: the act must involve grave matter, the person must have full knowledge of the evil of the act, and the person must give his or her full consent in committing the act.

object

In moral decision making, the object is the specific thing—an act, word, or thought—that is being chosen.

pride

Believing one is better than others, often resulting in despising or disrespecting other people; one of the capital sins.

scrutinies

Rituals for the elect that are meant to "uncover, then heal, all that is weak, defective, or sinful in the hearts of the elect" (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, 141); celebrated on the third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of Lent.

sin

Any deliberate offense, in thought, word, or deed, against the will of God.

sin of commission

A sin that is the direct result of a freely chosen thought, word, or deed.

sin of omission

A sin that is the result of a failure to do something required by God's moral Law

sloth

Habitual laziness; failing to put forth effort and take action; one of the capital sins.

social justice

The defense of human dignity by ensuring that essential human needs are met and that essential human rights are protected; to fight against social sin.

social sin

The collective effect of many personal sins over time, which corrupts society and its institutions by creating "structures of sin."

venial sin

A less serious offense against the will of God that diminishes one's personal character and weakens but does not rupture one's relationship with God.

vice

A practice or habit that leads a person to sin

virtue

A habitual and firm disposition to do good.