Deadly Sins: Seven Ways To Meet Your Demise

what are deadly sins

The seven deadly sins, also known as the capital or cardinal sins, are a grouping of vices within the teachings of Christianity. They are typically ordered as: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. The seven deadly sins are believed to be the seven behaviours or feelings that inspire further sin. They are called capital because they engender other sins and vices.

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Pride: Excessive self-love or the desire to be better or more important than others

Pride is considered the original and worst of the seven deadly sins. It is also thought to be the source of the other capital sins and is the opposite of humility.

Pride as a Deadly Sin

Pride is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as "reasonable self-esteem" or "confidence and satisfaction in oneself." The Oxford dictionary, however, defines it as "the quality of having an excessively high opinion of oneself or one's importance." This excessive self-love or desire to be better or more important than others is what makes pride a sin.

The Complex Nature of Pride

Philosophers and social psychologists have noted that pride is a complex secondary emotion. It requires the development of a sense of self and the ability to distinguish it from other emotions like happiness and joy. While some philosophers, like Aristotle, consider pride (but not hubris) a profound virtue, world religions like Judaism and Christianity consider it a fraudulent form of sin.

Pride in Different Contexts

Pride can be viewed differently depending on the context. For example, pride in one's ethnicity or culture is generally seen positively, while pride that tips into hubris can lead to atrocities. The concept of pride has also evolved over time, influenced by historical contexts and the language and traditions of different religions.

The Consequences of Excessive Pride

Excessive pride can have negative consequences, such as arrogance, egocentrism, aggressive behaviour, and ignorance. It can harm relationships and prevent the growth of other virtues. Additionally, it can lead to irrational decision-making and conflict, potentially terminating close relationships.

Overcoming Excessive Pride

To overcome excessive pride, one must reflect on its role in their life and acknowledge the difference between feeling proud and being proud. This involves recognising that true humility is not thinking less of oneself but thinking of oneself less, as C.S. Lewis wrote. Buddhism teaches that cultivating equanimity and love for others can help overcome excessive pride, as it removes the need to defeat or compete with others.

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Lust: Intense desire, usually for sexual pleasure, but also for money, power or fame

Lust is one of the seven deadly sins, also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins, in Christian teachings. It is described as an intense desire, usually for sexual pleasure, but also for money, power, or fame.

Lust is considered a sin of the flesh, and while it is deemed a serious transgression, it is generally thought to be the least serious of the seven deadly sins. This is because it is seen as an abuse of a faculty shared with animals, and sins of the flesh are considered less grievous than spiritual sins.

Lust is mentioned several times in the Bible, including in 2 Timothy 2:22, which says, "Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, [and] peace...". Other verses that refer to lust include Job 31:1, Matthew 5:28, Philippians 4:8, James 1:14-15, 1 Peter 2:11, and 1 John 2:16.

The cure for lust is chastity or self-control, which involves controlling passion and leveraging that energy for the good of others.

In Christian theology, the seven deadly sins are considered to be the behaviours or feelings that inspire further sin. They are typically ordered as:

  • Pride
  • Greed
  • Lust
  • Envy
  • Gluttony
  • Wrath
  • Sloth
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Gluttony: Overconsumption, usually of food or drink

Gluttony is often defined as overconsumption, particularly of food and drink. It is one of the seven deadly sins in Christian theology and is generally understood as a moral failing or vice. Gluttony is not simply about eating large quantities of food; it is about the excessive and uncontrolled desire for food, to the point that it becomes harmful or destructive. This can manifest in several ways and has been interpreted and understood in various ways throughout history.

One aspect of gluttony is the act of consuming more than one needs or deserves, particularly when others are going without. This could be seen as an injustice, as it involves taking more than your fair share of resources, especially when those resources are limited. Gluttony, in this sense, can be understood as a form of greed and selfishness, with a disregard for community and the common good. This interpretation of gluttony highlights the importance of moderation, self-control, and fairness in the distribution of resources.

Another interpretation of gluttony focuses on the pleasure and indulgence associated with food. In this view, gluttony is about seeking excessive pleasure and satisfaction from eating and drinking. This could involve consuming rich, luxurious, or exotic foods, or it might be about the quantity of food consumed. This form of gluttony is not necessarily about taking more than you need, but about the pursuit of sensory pleasure above all else. This interpretation has often been associated with overindulgence, hedonism, and a lack of self-restraint.

Gluttony can also be understood in a broader sense as an excessive attachment to physical pleasures and comforts. This could include an overindulgence in sleep, leisure, or even sexual activity. In this interpretation, gluttony is about a preoccupation with physical satisfaction that distracts from spiritual or intellectual pursuits. This understanding of gluttony emphasizes the importance of balance and the need to prioritize spiritual or intellectual growth over physical pleasures.

The deadly sin of gluttony has been a subject of interest and debate for centuries, with various interpretations and understandings emerging over time. While the specific manifestations of gluttony may vary, the underlying theme remains a warning against excess, indulgence, and a lack of self-control. Understanding and recognizing gluttony can help individuals lead more balanced and virtuous lives, ensuring that physical pleasures do not overshadow moral and spiritual values.

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Greed: Excessive pursuit of material goods or love of possessions

Greed, or avarice, is one of the seven deadly sins in Christian teachings. It is the excessive pursuit of material goods or the love of possessions. In the Bible, Hebrews 13:5 says, "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'" Other biblical texts that mention greed include Exodus 20:17, Proverbs 11:24, Proverbs 28:25, Ecclesiastes 5:10, Philippians 4:6 and 1 Timothy 6:9-10.

Greed is considered a sin because it represents a failure in genuine love for God and neighbour. This is caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods. It is a vice that generates other vices. Aquinas identifies "daughter" vices of greed, including mercilessness, restlessness, deception, fraud, perjury, violence and treachery.

Greed is cured by charity, which puts the desire to help others above storing up treasure for oneself.

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Sloth: Physical laziness, also disinterest in spiritual matters or neglecting spiritual growth

The deadly sin of sloth is often misunderstood as simply physical laziness, but it goes beyond that. Sloth encompasses both physical inactivity and a disregard for one's spiritual life and growth. This sin manifests as a lack of motivation and indifference towards the pursuit of virtue and goodness. Sloth can lead to stagnation and a life unfulfilled, as an individual fails to reach their potential and live a meaningful existence.

On the physical level, sloth can be observed as sheer idleness and an aversion to exertion. It is the avoidance of necessary and virtuous action, such as neglecting responsibilities, duties, and personal care. This form of sloth can lead to an unhealthy and unbalanced lifestyle, where an individual fails to take care of their basic physical needs and contribute productively to society. Such laziness can also extend to the intellectual realm, where one fails to engage in learning, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge, leading to stagnation and an uninformed perspective on the world.

However, sloth also has a deeper, more spiritual dimension. It involves a neglect of one's spiritual growth and a disinterest in matters of the soul. This can manifest as a lack of participation in spiritual practices, such as prayer, meditation, or religious rituals. An individual may fail to seek a deeper understanding of their faith or a connection with a higher power, leading to a shallow and unfulfilling spiritual life. This indifference can cause a person to become disconnected from their values and purpose, resulting in a life lacking direction and meaning.

Sloth can also hinder personal growth and self-improvement. It may cause an individual to become complacent, unwilling to challenge themselves or step out of their comfort zone. This can lead to a stagnation of character, where personal flaws and vices are left unaddressed, and virtues are not cultivated. Slothful individuals may fail to develop their strengths and talents, missing out on opportunities for self-actualization and a sense of fulfillment. This sin can result in a life devoid of passion and purpose, where one fails to discover their true potential and live a life aligned with their values.

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