Christian Morality and Sin

General acts

Actions performed without thinking or choosing, not subject to moral evaluation.

Moral acts

Actions that are freely chosen, involving reason, thought, and will.

Object (Moral Act)

The action itself; what am I doing?

Intention (Moral Act)

The reason or purpose behind the action.

Circumstances (Moral Act)

The situation or details surrounding the action.

Rule for a morally good action

Object, intention, and circumstances must ALL be good.

Motive

The specific reason why someone chooses to act; the most critical circumstance.

Objective morality

Actions judged right or wrong based on moral truth.

Subjective judgment

Inability to perfectly know or judge another person's heart or intentions.

Intrinsic Evil

Actions that are always wrong regardless of intention or circumstances.

Golden Rule of Morality

Never do evil with the expectation that something good will come from it.

Conscience

Guides us toward what is truly good and helps recognize right from wrong.

Sin

An offense against God that damages or breaks our relationship with Him.

Rebellion (Sin)

Deliberately going against God and disobeying His commands.

Missing the mark (Sin)

Failing to live according to God's plan and eternal law.

Old Testament view of sin

Rebellion against God, breaking the covenant, and bringing punishment and death.

New Testament view of sin

Separation from God, overcome through Jesus Christ's death and Resurrection.

Ultimate difference between OT and NT on sin

OT emphasizes laws and consequences; NT emphasizes Jesus, grace, and salvation.

Original sin

The fallen condition inherited from Adam and Eve.

Social sin

Sin that harms society or communities.

Mortal sin

A serious sin that destroys charity in a person's heart.

Venial sin

A less serious sin that weakens relationship with God.

Capital sins

Pride, envy, anger, sloth, gluttony, greed, and lust.

Conditions for a mortal sin

Grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent.

Death (Consequence of sin)

Sin brings physical and spiritual death into human life.

Suffering (Consequence of sin)

Sin causes pain and hardship.

Separation (Consequence of sin)

Sin damages our relationship with God.

Punishment (Consequence of sin)

Consequences for wrongdoing.

Diminishing (Consequence of sin)

Sin weakens our ability to choose good.

Repentance

Turning away from sin and turning toward God.

Mercy

God's loving compassion toward sinners.

Salvation

Being saved from sin and brought into eternal life with God.

Redemption

Being rescued or freed from sin through Jesus.

Original holiness

The loving communion with God that Adam and Eve originally enjoyed.

Original justice

Complete harmony with oneself, others, and creation.

Covenant

A sacred agreement between God and His people.

Beatitudes

Jesus' teachings that express His vision of a new way of life.

Faith

Belief and trust in God.

Free will

The ability to choose to love God or reject Him.

Intellect

The ability to understand and recognize truth.

Spiritual soul

The eternal part of a human person that makes us more than physical.

Freedom

Being responsible for the choices we make.

Justification

God's grace freeing us from sin and making us holy.

Conversion

Turning toward God and away from sin.

Sanctification

Growing closer to God and growing in holiness.

Merit

The reward associated with good works done through God's grace.

Baptism

Sacrament through which we are cleansed from original sin.

Ascension

Jesus rising into Heaven.

Resurrection

Jesus rising from the dead.