MODULE 2.

IRS​ ○​ Our sins influence others, just as

their sins influence us.
​ ○​ We contribute to the sin of the
Ignorance limits our power to reason since it is world, just as others’ failings affect
the absence of knowledge.​ us (Romans 7:13-25).
​
Fear and passion limits our power to choose.

Violence and habits limits our power to Will for ●​ Original sin is not just a past event; it
they force us to do something we do not like.​ continues to affect humanity today in both
​ external (world) and internal (human nature)
The greatest obstacle to our human freedom is ways.
sin.​ ●​ Even after baptism, we struggle with sinful
​ tendencies, which require grace and effort to
An objective definition of sin is any deliberate word, resist.
thought, or deed contrary to God’s Law. Objectively, ●​ Our personal sins add to the world's
sin is violation of God’s laws. The subjective meaning sinfulness, reinforcing the cycle of temptation
of sin is an offense against reason, truth and right and wrongdoing.
conscience. ●​ The only true solution is Christ’s grace,
which helps us fight sin in ourselves and in
Kinds of Sin​ the world.​
1. Original Sin
2. Personal Sins
3. Social Sins

Personal Sin
1.​ Original Sin in the World​
●​ Sin is a personal act and choice.
●​ People sin by choosing a wrongly desired
○​ We are born into a world where sin
good, e.g., cheating for a good grade.
and grace exist in tension.
●​ In sinning, a person becomes what they
○​ Temptations, bad influences, and
choose (e.g., cheating makes one a
struggles with good intentions
cheater).
contrast with acts of self-sacrifice,
service, and faithfulness.
Types of Personal Sin:
○​ It often appears that evil is
rewarded while good efforts fail.
1.​ Venial Sin – Less serious, wounds but does
not destroy God’s love.
○​ Like an arrow that hits the target but
misses the bullseye.
2.​ Interior Effects of Original Sin
2.​ Mortal Sin – Serious sin that turns one away
3.​
from God, destroying charity.
○​ Baptism removes the guilt of
○​ Like an arrow that misses the target
original sin but not its effects.
completely.
○​ We still struggle with disordered
○​ Requires three conditions: Grave
desires (concupiscence).
matter, full knowledge, full consent.
○​ This "heart of darkness" can only be
fully understood through Christ’s
Original Sin vs. Personal Sin:
sacrifice on the Cross.
4.​ Connection to Personal Sin​
●​ Original Sin – Inherited, not personally
committed, affects intellect and will.
○​ Original sin is linked to our own
●​ Personal Sin – Committed by individuals,
sins.
classified as venial or mortal.
7 Capital Sins: ■​ Satisfaction – Making
amends and doing
1.​ Pride – Excessive self-love, arrogance. penance.
2.​ Envy – Resenting others' success.
3.​ Anger – Uncontrolled rage and hatred.
4.​ Sloth – Laziness in duties and faith.
5.​ Avarice (Greed) – Excessive desire for 2.​ Social Transformation & Active Non-Violence​
wealth.
6.​ Gluttony – Overindulgence in food or ○​ Social conversion is needed,
pleasure. especially in unjust societies.
7.​ Lust – Uncontrolled desire, especially ○​ Non-violent action (protests, rallies,
sexual. strikes) is encouraged.
○​ Violence is not an option for
change.
○​ Pope John Paul II (1981)
Social Sin emphasized choosing justice and
love.
●​ Exists in structures, institutions, and cultures ○​ 1986 People Power Revolution is
that oppress, violate dignity, and cause an example of effective
inequality. non-violence.
●​ These unjust structures stem from personal
sins and influence behavior. Key Takeaway:
7 Social Sins (Catholic Conscience List):
Both personal and social sins require conversion and
active effort to restore justice, truth, and God’s grace
1.​ Politics of Fear & Hate – Division, in the world.
oppression, aggression.
2.​ Misuse of Creation – Environmental and
Sin is a choice – We become what we choose.​
animal abuse.
Personal sins can be venial (minor) or mortal
3.​ Society Without Love – Hatred, exclusion,
(serious, turning away from God).​
and indifference.
Mortal sin requires three conditions: grave matter,
4.​ Unjust Wealth – Promoting poverty, wealth
full knowledge, full consent.​
hoarding.
Original sin is inherited, not personally committed,
5.​ Immoral Commerce & Industry –
but affects intellect and will.​
Exploitation, consumerism.
7 Capital Sins lead to destructive behavior and block
6.​ Science Without Humanity – Ethical
God’s love.
violations in medicine, weapons.
7.​ Exploitation of Ignorance – Misuse of media,
Social sin exists in structures and cultures that
education, and entertainment.
cause oppression and injustice.​
Social sins grow from personal sins and influence
society.​
7 Social Sins include fear-based politics, greed,
1.​ Personal Conversion & Reconciliation​ exploitation, and environmental harm.

○​ Requires inner transformation Conversion requires both personal and social

(denying selfishness). transformation.​
○​ Sacrament of Reconciliation helps Reconciliation heals personal sin through
restore grace. contrition, confession, and satisfaction.​
○​ Non-violent action is the Christian way to fight
-​ 3 Acts of the Penitent: injustice.​
■​ Contrition – True sorrow Violence is never an option for change—justice and
for sin. love must guide actions.​
■​ Confession – Admitting Faith calls for continuous effort to restore truth,
sins to a priest. justice, and grace