Sin and Commandments
Sin and 1st Commandment Test Study Guide
I. Vocabulary (40 Points)
Pesha – Transgression or rebellion against God.
Chatâ – Missing the mark, failing to live up to God’s expectations.
Sin – An immoral act that goes against divine law.
Object – The specific action or act performed in a moral decision.
Intention – The purpose or reason behind the action.
Circumstances – The factors that influence the moral decision, including context and situation.
Sin of Commission – Actively doing something wrong (e.g., stealing, lying).
Sin of Omission – Failing to do something required or good (e.g., not helping someone).
Venial Sin – A minor sin that does not sever one’s relationship with God.
Mortal Sin – A serious sin that completely separates one from God's grace.
Capital Sins – The seven deadly sins: pride, greed, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
Virtue – A good habit or quality that leads a person to act in a morally good way.
Vice – A bad habit or practice that leads a person to sin.
Idolatry – Worshiping idols or anything other than God.
Theological Virtues – Faith, hope, and charity.
Heresy – A belief or opinion that contradicts established religious teachings.
Tithe – Giving 10% of one’s income to the Church.
Evangelical Counsels – Vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience taken by those in religious life.
Polytheism – The belief in and worship of multiple gods.
Monotheism – The belief in and worship of one God.
Atheism – Denial or lack of belief in the existence of God.
Agnosticism – The belief that it is impossible to know the existence of God.
Veneration – Honoring or respecting someone or something, especially saints or sacred objects.
Superstition – Beliefs or practices based on fear or the supernatural rather than reason or faith.
Magic – The use of rituals or symbols to try to influence the world in ways contrary to divine will.
Divination – Attempting to predict the future through occult means.
Sacrilege – Violation or desecration of something sacred.
Simony – The buying or selling of spiritual things or church offices.
II. Multiple Choice (30 Points)
What is the root of all sin?
Pride (Selfishness, turning away from God’s will).
How do the Israelites betray God in the Book of Exodus?
By worshiping the golden calf (idolatry).
Why is sin ultimately a lie?
Because it distorts the truth about God and ourselves.
What is Jesus’ response to sin?
Jesus offers forgiveness and calls for repentance.
What is the difference between a sin and a mistake?
A sin is a deliberate act of wrongdoing, while a mistake is an unintentional error.
What are the three parts of a moral decision?
Object, intention, and circumstances.
What are the three conditions of a mortal sin?
Grave matter, full knowledge, and full consent.
How do we receive forgiveness from mortal sin?
Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession).
What are the 7 Capital Sins?
Pride, greed, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth.
What is the 1st Commandment?
“You shall have no other gods before Me.”
Why is it important to set our hearts on God alone in life?
Because God should be the ultimate priority, and setting our hearts on Him leads to true fulfillment.
What were the two gods that the Israelites would worship instead of God in the Old Testament?
Baal and Asherah.
What are the three Theological Virtues?
Faith, hope, and charity (love).
How do we give everything to God in our lives?
Through prayer, offering our work, and living according to God’s will.
What is the difference between veneration and worship?
Veneration is honoring saints or sacred objects, while worship is giving the highest honor, which is reserved for God alone.
Why is magic a sin against the 1st Commandment
Because it involves reliance on occult powers rather than trust in God.
Why is manifesting a sin?
Manifesting (believing in the power of thought alone to bring things into being) can lead to self-centeredness and a form of idolatry, making it contrary to the 1st Commandment.
What two sins misuse sacred objects and cause improper worship of God?
Sacrilege and simony.