Sins: Accumulation, Growth, And Their Impact

The concept of sin varies across different religions and cultures. In a religious context, sin is a transgression against divine law or the law of the deities. While sins are generally considered actions, they can also refer to any thought, word, or act considered immoral, selfish, shameful, harmful, or alienating. In Christianity, the seven deadly sins are considered particularly severe and are associated with moral transgressions that can lead to damnation if not repented. These include pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. While these sins do not accumulate and transform into a mortal sin, certain religious texts suggest that introducing or partaking in sinful actions can result in bearing the burden of one's sins and the sins of those who follow one's example.

The seven deadly sins in Christianity

The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, are a grouping of major vices within the teachings of Christianity. They are typically ordered as:

• Pride
• Greed
• Lust
• Envy
• Gluttony
• Wrath
• Sloth

The seven deadly sins are considered particularly severe and are associated with moral transgressions that can lead to damnation if not repented. They are called "deadly" because they can lead to spiritual death if not confessed and forgiven.

Pride

Pride is an excessive view of oneself without regard for others. It is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins, and it is often thought to be the source of the other capital sins. It is the opposite of humility.

Greed

Greed is an excessive desire for material wealth or possessions. It is generally seen as a form of idolatry, where the pursuit of wealth or possessions takes precedence over one's devotion to God and ethical living.

Lust

Lust is a strong passion or longing, especially for sexual desires. It is usually thought of as intense or unbridled sexual desire, which may lead to fornication and other sinful acts.

Envy

Envy is a sad or resentful covetousness towards the traits or possessions of someone else. It is characterized by an insatiable desire, similar to greed and lust.

Gluttony

Gluttony is the overindulgence and overconsumption of anything to the point of waste. It can include an obsessive anticipation of meals and overindulgence in delicacies and costly foods.

Wrath

Wrath is uncontrolled feelings of anger, rage, and even hatred. It often reveals itself in the wish to seek vengeance.

Sloth

Sloth is an excessive laziness or the failure to act and utilize one's talents. It includes a lack of interest or habitual disinclination to exertion. It is the only sin among the seven that is a sin of omitting responsibilities, rather than committing immoralities.

While the seven deadly sins are not explicitly listed in a single biblical passage, they have been derived from various biblical teachings and reflections on moral and spiritual matters. The concept of the seven deadly sins has been influential in Christian teaching, literature, and art, serving as a moral framework to guide believers in leading virtuous lives.

Sin in Islam

In Islam, sin is an acknowledgement of the inherent weaknesses of human nature. The Quran states, "And We have certainly created man weak" (Quran 4:28). This verse sheds light on the weakness and vulnerability of human beings, which can lead to sinful behaviour.

Islam recognises that everyone, including Muslims, is susceptible to sin. The Prophet Muhammad once said, "Righteousness is good character, and sin is that which wavers in your heart and which you do not want people to know about." In Islam, there is no concept of original sin, and sinning does not automatically cause someone to be ousted from the faith.

The Quran describes Allah as being All-Forgiving, Merciful, and Compassionate. Believers are expected to follow the guidance of Allah to the best of their ability, but they are also assured that Allah forgives all sins: "Say: Oh, my servants who have transgressed against their own souls! Do not despair of Allah's mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins, for Truly He is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful" (Quran 39:53).

However, the Quran also mentions Major Sins, which are worthy of punishment in this world and the hereafter. These include:

• Associating others with God (shirk or polytheism)
• Adultery or fornication
• Consuming usury (interest)
• Stealing from an orphan's estate
• Bearing false witness
• Engaging in magic or fortune-telling
• Abandoning the battlefield during a time of war
• Slandering chaste women
• Disrespecting one's parents

Minor sins are not mentioned in the Quran as having a legal punishment, but they are not insignificant. These are missteps that a believer might overlook and then engage in to the extent that they become part of their lifestyle. Minor sins include anything that violates Allah's guidance and is something a person would be ashamed of and not want others to find out about. Some examples are:

• Being immodest (flirting, watching obscene movies/TV)
• Being suspicious or spying on others
• Name-calling or bullying another person
• Talking excessively about things that are not one's business

In Islam, committing a sin doesn't eternally separate a person from God. However, making a habit of sinning brings a person further away from Allah and causes them to lose faith. The Quran describes such people: "their hearts have been sealed by the sins they have accumulated" (Quran 83:14).

Repentance and seeking forgiveness are of utmost importance in Islam. The Quran states, "And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed" (Quran 24:31). Muslims are encouraged to acknowledge their sins, feel remorse, and seek forgiveness through supplication and sincere repentance.

Sin in Judaism

Judaism recognises that everyone sins occasionally, but that people are born sinless and have the ability to choose between good and evil. The Hebrew word for sin, ḥeṭ, means to "miss the mark", and Judaism teaches that to sin is part of life. Sins are violations of the 613 commandments, and they have many classifications and degrees. Unintentional sins, or those committed out of a lack of knowledge, are considered less severe.

Judaism rejects the idea of original sin. Instead, it teaches that humans enter the world pure and have free will. A person always has the power to avoid sin and its negative effects. However, the Bible states that the "imagination of man's heart is evil from his youth", and this is seen as an argument for divine mercy, as humans cannot be blamed for their innate nature.

Judaism identifies two kinds of sin: offenses against other people, and offenses against God. Sins against other people are considered more severe than sins against God, as the purpose of the Torah is to prevent suffering. However, some sources say it is impossible to determine the relative severity of different sins.

The main method of atonement for sin in Judaism is repentance. According to the Talmud, God created repentance before He created the physical universe, and it is among the first things created. Repentance in Judaism is seen as a process of ethical self-transformation. The primary purpose is to stop or minimise future transgressions by repenting for past ones. According to Maimonides, the essence of repentance involves leaving one's sin, removing it from one's thoughts, deciding not to repeat it, regretting it, and confessing it.

Judaism also describes various other means of receiving atonement for sin, including Temple sacrifices, judicial punishments, and returning stolen property, together with repentance.

Sin in Buddhism

In Buddhism, the concept of sin is not recognized in the same way as it is in Western religions. Instead, Buddhists believe in the idea of karma, which teaches that an individual's actions, whether good or bad, have inevitable and automatic effects on their future lives. This belief system does not involve the idea of a divine being passing judgment, but rather emphasizes personal responsibility for one's actions.

While some Buddhist teachings state that there is no concept of sin in Buddhism at all, others acknowledge the existence of certain heinous crimes or transgressions that are considered particularly harmful. These acts are known as "Anantarika-karma" in Theravada Buddhism and "pañcānantarya" in Mahayana Buddhism. These five acts are:

Creating schism in the society of Sangha

Buddhism teaches that individuals are responsible for their own actions and that each person can shape their own destiny. The Buddha is believed to have said, "These evil deeds were only done by you, not by your parents, friends, or relatives; and you yourself will reap the painful results." This belief in personal accountability is a core aspect of Buddhist philosophy, and it encourages followers to reflect on their actions and understand the consequences that may arise from them.

The concept of "dharma" in Buddhism is a set of affirmative actions that Buddhists are encouraged to follow. These actions are not presented as commandments but rather as voluntary choices that can lead to a more enlightened path. The Buddha's teachings guide individuals to develop their understanding and make wise choices that align with the noble eightfold path, leading to liberation from suffering.

It is important to note that Buddhism does not view humans as inherently sinful or rebellious against a higher power. Instead, it recognizes the potential for both good and evil within each person. The Buddhist approach to suffering is empirical rather than imaginary or speculative, focusing on the practical consequences of actions rather than divine sanction or condemnation.

In summary, while Buddhism does not have an exact equivalent to the Western concept of "sin," it does recognize the importance of ethical behavior and the impact of one's actions on oneself and others. Buddhists strive for enlightenment and liberation from suffering through voluntary adherence to the dharma and a deep understanding of the consequences of their actions.

Sin in Baháʼí

In the Bahá'í Faith, sin is defined as anything that goes against God's will and therefore distances one from Him. Bahá'ís are exhorted to turn away from sin and strive to follow God's laws and teachings, which will bring them closer to God. Bahá'u'lláh, the founder of the Bahá'í Faith, has described sin as anything that dulls the "heart" and prevents it from recognizing the light of God. Bahá'u'lláh also states that the "best beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou desirest Me, and neglect it not that I may confide in thee."

Bahá'u'lláh's teachings emphasize the importance of recognizing and overcoming one's sins and faults. In the Bahá'í writings, it is stated that one should "bring thyself to account each day ere thou art summoned to a reckoning; for death, unheralded, shall come upon thee and thou shalt be called to give account for thy deeds." Bahá'ís are also encouraged to "busy not thyself with this world, for with fire We test the gold, and with gold We test Our servants."

Bahá'u'lláh's teachings also emphasize the importance of forgiveness and mercy. Bahá'ís believe that God is forgiving and merciful, and they are encouraged to turn to God for forgiveness and to strive to forgive others. In the Bahá'í writings, it is stated that "thou hast committed sin, and thy Lord hath pardoned thee; then sin no more, lest thou return to thy former state of sin."

Bahá'ís are also taught to avoid backbiting, which is considered a great sin. Bahá'u'lláh states, "Breathe not the sins of others so long as thou art thyself a sinner. Shouldst thou transgress this command, accursed wouldst thou be, and to this I bear witness."

In summary, the Bahá'í teachings on sin emphasize the importance of recognizing and overcoming one's sins, turning to God for forgiveness, and striving to live in accordance with God's laws and teachings. Bahá'ís are encouraged to avoid backbiting and to cultivate virtues such as justice, mercy, and forgiveness.

Frequently asked questions