
The seven deadly sins are a classification of vices in Christian theology. They are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. The concept of the seven deadly sins was formalised in the 6th century by Pope Gregory I, although it originated with the Christian ascetic Evagrius Ponticus in the 4th century. The seven deadly sins are not explicitly listed in a single biblical passage, but they have been derived from various biblical teachings and reflections on moral and spiritual matters. They are considered to be particularly severe and are associated with moral transgressions that can lead to damnation if not repented.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Number of deadly sins | 7 |
First outlined by | Evagrius Ponticus |
Year first outlined | 4th century CE |
Deadly sins | Pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, sloth |
Deadly sins, per Pope Gregory I | Vainglory, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, sloth |
Sins cured by | Humility, charity, chastity, gratitude, temperance, patience, diligence |
Number of commandments in the New Testament | 1,050 |
Pride
While there is a healthy form of pride, such as being satisfied with a job well done, the pride discussed here is the kind that exalts self-centred independence and insists on being the god of one's own destiny. This type of pride separates us from God and makes genuine human or divine connection impossible.
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Greed
In the New Testament, Jesus uses the parable of the rich fool to caution against amassing wealth, saying, "Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one's life does not consist in the abundance of possessions" (Gospel According to Luke 12:15). Love of money is also cautioned against in the First Letter of Paul to Timothy, where it is called "a root of all kinds of evil" (6:10).
Research has shown that once an individual has enough money to provide for their basic necessities, more money does not lead to more happiness. In fact, the pursuit of wealth can often lead to unhappiness as it takes time away from cultivating meaningful relationships and connecting with God.
To counter greed, Catholic theology emphasizes the importance of charity or generosity. Giving to others and curbing unnecessary consumption can help individuals find true happiness and strengthen their relationship with God and their community.
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Lust
According to a 2009 study by the Jesuit scholar Fr. Roberto Busa, lust is the most common deadly sin confessed by men.
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Envy
According to St. Thomas Aquinas, envy has three stages. In the first stage, the envious person attempts to lower another's reputation. In the second stage, the envious person experiences either "joy at another's misfortune" if they succeed in defaming the other person, or "grief at another's prosperity" if they fail. In the third stage, the envious person feels hatred, because "sorrow causes hatred". Aquinas also said that envy is "contrary to charity, whence the soul derives its spiritual life... Charity rejoices in our neighbour's good, while envy grieves over it."
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Gluttony
In the Bible, the Book of Proverbs advises:
> Do not join with winebibbers, nor with those who glut themselves with meat, for drunkards and gluttons come to poverty, and lazing about clothes one in rags.
In Dante's Inferno, gluttons are punished in the third circle of hell, where they are guarded and tortured by Cerberus, a three-headed beast, while lying face down in icy mud and slush.
In the modern era, Pope Francis has referenced gluttony when speaking about world hunger, food insecurity, food waste, the obesity epidemic, and materialism.
According to St Thomas Aquinas, there are five ways in which gluttony can present itself:
- Hastily – eating or drinking too fast or at the wrong time.
- Sumptuously – consuming rich or expensive food or drink instead of healthier or more moderate options.
- Excessively – eating or drinking too much.
- Greedily – refusing to share food or drink.
- Daintily – eating food that is dainty in quality or excessively prepared.
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Frequently asked questions
The seven deadly sins are pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth.
The concept of the seven deadly sins has its roots in Christian theology and tradition. The list of sins was formalised by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century, although it evolved over time.
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 atoned for and forgiven.
No, it is not possible to list all sins as it is a matter of the heart and intentions. However, the Bible mentions various types of sins and provides guidance on moral and spiritual matters.