About The Seven Deadliest Sins

Concept image of a signpost with the seven deadly sins upon the arrows.

The History of the Seven Deadly Sins

According to Roman Catholic theology, the seven deadly sins are lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. The Bible reads, “There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community” (Proverbs 6:16-19).

These characteristics are classified as “deadly” not only for the moral offenses that they are, but also because of the probability that other sins will result from them. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the sins were coined by Pope Gregory I and further elaborated on in the 13th century by Thomas Aquinas.

Lust

Lust is an inordinate or illicit sexual desire, a longing for a sexual experience. The Bible says, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28).

Gluttony

Gluttony is usually understood to include drunkenness and is defined as excessive consumption. The Bible says, “…for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags” (Proverbs 23:21).

Greed

Greed is also known as covetousness. Greed is an excessive pursuit for material goods or money. The Bible says, “Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more” (Ephesians 4:19).

Sloth

Sloth is a failure to take advantage of your God-given gifts, commonly referred to as laziness. The Bible says, “The way of the sluggard is blocked with thorns, but the path of the upright is a highway” (Proverbs 15:19).

Wrath

Wrath is feeling extreme emotion or hatred for another person (the inability to forgive). “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1).

Envy

Envy, or jealousy, is the desire for another person’s belongings or accomplishments. The Bible says, “Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation” (1 Peter 2:1-2).

Pride

Pride, or vainglory, is an excessive view of oneself with regard for others. The Bible says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Prov 16:18).

The Seven Virtues

In contrast to the seven deadly sins are the seven virtues, also outlined by Pope Gregory. They are: faith, hope, charity, fortitude, justice, prudence and temperance. They are known as the Spiritual Virtues. The last four (fortitude, justice, prudence, temperance) are referred to as the Chief or Natural Virtues.

The Only Unforgiveable Sin

The seven deadly sins above were first taught as “cardinal sins” or “capital vices” and were unforgivable by God. We now know that the Bible states that these sins are forgivable, although this knowledge should not entice us to commit these sins. The only true unforgiveable sin is a rejection of the Holy Spirit, the existence of God, and includes in the end times, your free willed choice to become Transhuman, by taking the Mark of the Beast.

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