3.23.2014

The Definition of Sin

Sin is an offense against 
reason, 
truth, 
and right conscience.

It is a failure 
in genuine love for 
God and neighbor 
caused by a 
perverse attachment to certain goods. 

It wounds the nature of man 
and injures human solidarity. 
It has been defined as
an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law.

Sin is an offense against God:
 "Against you, you alone, 
have I sinned, and done 
that which is evil in your sight." 

Sin sets itself 
against God's love for us 
and turns our hearts away from it. 

Like the first sin, 
it is disobedience, 
a revolt against God 
through the will to become "like gods,"  

Sin is thus 
"love of oneself even to contempt of God."

In this proud self-exaltation, 
sin is diametrically opposed 
to the obedience of Jesus, 
which achieves our salvation.

Catechism of the Catholic Church