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Sin and Responsibility
Sin is understood not just as breaking rules but as a failure to be fully responsible for oneself, others, and society.
Moral life is cumulative—our choices shape who we become.
Responsibility moves beyond obligation, shifting from “I have to” to “I choose to.”
Sin and the Covenant
The covenant reflects God’s unconditional love, similar to parental love, which is freely given. Originally, the covenant was communal, not individual, emphasizing the people of Israel’s relationship with God. Sin disrupts this covenant, while faithfulness sustains it.
Rational vs. Legal aspects of sin
Sin was originally understood relationally—as a failure in one’s relationship with God and others. Over time, sin became more legalistic, seen as a transgression of law rather than a disruption of divine love. The shift from relational to legal minimized personal responsibility.
What does Matthew 25 tell us about sin?
emphasizes sin as social and relational, particularly in the failure to care for the marginalized (the hungry, sick, imprisoned). It reframes sin as neglecting justice and love rather than just breaking commandments.
Two Gardens in Gardens in Scripture
Eden: The first covenant was broken due to lack of trust in God.
Gethsemane: Jesus, fully trusting God, restores what was broken in Eden.
These gardens contrast human failure with redemption through faithfulness.
Sin’s basis in religious identity
Sin cannot be understood apart from one’s relationship with God. It is not just an ethical issue but a religious reality—rejecting God’s love and failing to live in response to it.
What does the categorization of sin tell us?
Sin has been classified (e.g., mortal, venial, social) to help people understand its gravity and consequences. Over time, classifications were refined to reflect levels of responsibility and impact on relationships with God and others.
What led to the minimalization of sin in Christian tradition?
An obsession with sin led to its loss of meaning. Secularism reframed sin in psychological and scientific terms (healthy vs. unhealthy behavior). Sin was also reduced to personal moral failures rather than structural injustices.
In reference to mortal sin, what do “sufficient reflection,” “full consent of the will” and “serious matter” mean?
Sufficient Reflection: Fully understanding the nature of the act before committing it.
Full Consent of the Will: Making the choice freely without coercion.
Serious Matter: The act must be significant in its moral weight, affecting relationships with God and others.
Human Dignity (principle)
Every person regardless of race, sec, age, origin, etc., is worthy of respect.
Respect for Human Life (principle)
Every life at every stage of development is precious and therefore worthy of protection and respect. It’s always wrong to attack an innocent human life.
Association (principle)
The centerpiece of society is family. Family stability must always be protected and never undermined.
Participation (principle)
People have the right to engage in society and decision-making that are necessary for human fulfillment.
Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable (principle)
The common good requires it. Society must prioritize the needs of the marginalized (those poor and powerless).
Solidarity (principle)
We are our sisters and brothers keepers. We are one human family and one global community. “Loving our neighbor” has global ramifications in an interdependent world. Recognizing our interconnectedness and responsibility to each other.
Stewardship (principle)
Tradition calls us to a sense of moral responsibility for the protection of the environment. A rise in our awareness of our physical environment. Caring for creation and resources as gifts from God.
Subsidiarity (principle)
Deals with the responsibilities and limits of government and the essential roles of voluntary associations. Decisions should be made at the most local level possible.
Human Equality (principle)
Equality of persons flows from human dignity. Treating equals equally. Underlying principle of fairness. All people are equal regardless of differences.
Common Good (principle)
“That which assists most people most of the time”. Promoting the well-being of the whole community.
Three aspects of “Poverty of Spirit”
Interdependence: Recognizing our need for relationships.
Self-Love: Accepting oneself beyond external validation.
Learning to Love One’s Neighbor: Moving beyond self-centeredness.
Cardinal Virtues
Justice: Treating others with fairness.
Fidelity: Commitment in relationships.
Self-Care: Valuing one’s own well-being.
Prudence: Making wise, moral choices.
Jesus as a source of moral understanding—elements of character, discipleship
Jesus calls for discipleship, not worship. His values—love, inclusion, and dispossession—should be applied in modern life. His rejection of power structures and focus on community and justice offer a model for moral living.
The Church and the Moral Life
Shaper of Moral Character: Forms believers through teachings, traditions, and role models.
Bearer of the Moral Tradition: Preserves and transmits faith-based ethics through generations.
Community of Moral Deliberation: Engages in dialogue and discernment about moral issues.
Dissent in the Church (definition)
Disagreement with Church teachings, particularly on social and moral issues. Not all teachings are equally binding; core doctrines (creed) are more authoritative than social teachings.
Criteria for Dissent:
Must be serious and well-founded.
Must respect Church authority.
Must avoid causing scandal.
Levels of Dissent:
Private dissent: Personal disagreement.
Public dissent: Expressing disagreement in media or writings.
Organized dissent: Groups publicly opposing a teaching.
Guidelines for organized dissent:
Affirm the teaching authority of the church
Ensure means of dissent are appropriate.
Contribute constructively to reform.
Recognize the personal cost of dissent.
Aim to lead toward deeper truth.
Conclusions concerning dissent:
Change, pluralism, participation, reception
Change within the Church happens slowly.
Pluralism acknowledges diverse perspectives.
Reception of Church teachings is crucial—if rejected widely, there may be a problem with how they are taught or understood.
Other sources of moral understanding:
Sciences & Psychology: Provide insight into human behavior and ethics.
Law: Offers moral guidance but is the lowest common denominator.
Communities of Influence: Family, schools, and social groups shape moral values.
Role Models & Expert Authority: Individuals influence moral perspectives.
Liberation Theology: Focuses on the oppressed and structural injustice.
Women & Feminism: Challenges patriarchal structures and expands theological understanding.
African American Voices: Provide perspectives on justice and equality.
Modern Science: Engages with faith to deepen moral insight.
What are moral norms?
Norms that guide ethical behavior, derived from tradition, experience, and reason.
Are any of them absolute?
Some principles, like the dignity of human life, are considered absolute
Moral norms generally tend to follow positive law
Moral norms influence and sometimes contradict legal systems, shaping ethical laws and societal expectations.
Formal norms and material norms — what are they?
Formal Norms: Rooted in values and attitudes, e.g., "Love your neighbor."
Material Norms: Practical guidelines, e.g., "Do not steal."
Synthetic terms:
Moral concepts that combine multiple aspects of ethical reasoning and application.
Definition of virtually exceptionless material norms:
Moral concepts that combine multiple aspects of ethical reasoning and application.
Relationship of moral norms and imagination?
Imagination plays a role in moral reasoning, helping individuals anticipate consequences and empathize with others in ethical decision-making.
