Seven deadly sins

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The Seven Deadly Sins, also known as the Capital Vices or Cardinal Sins, is a classification of vices that has been used since early Christian times to educate and instruct followers concerning fallen humanity's tendency to sin. The concept has been used in Christian ethics to help people curb their inclinations before they could lead to more serious crimes or sins. The seven deadly sins are pride, envy, gluttony, lust, anger, greed, and sloth.

Origins and Development

The concept of the seven deadly sins is an amalgamation of Christian teachings and Greek philosophy, which aimed to categorize and restrain human misconduct. The list was initially formulated in the 4th century by Evagrius Ponticus, a Christian monk, who listed eight evil thoughts. Later, Pope Gregory I revised the list to the seven deadly sins in the 6th century, merging envy and sadness, and adding pride to the list.

Description of the Sins

Each of the seven deadly sins describes a particular form of moral failing or character flaw that can lead to other sins and harmful behaviors. They are considered deadly because indulging in them can lead to spiritual death and damnation.

Pride

Pride is considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins, and indeed the ultimate source from which the others arise. It is the desire for excessive recognition and respect from others, often at the expense of humility and acknowledgment of one's own limitations.

Envy

Envy involves feeling discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, or possessions. It can lead to resentment and other sinful behaviors.

Gluttony

Gluttony is an excessive and ongoing consumption of food or drink, or an overindulgence in anything to the point of waste.

Lust

Lust is an intense desire or need. Though it is most often associated with sexual desire, it can also encompass any uncontrolled desire such as for money, power, or other objects of passion.

Anger

Anger, also known as wrath, is an intense emotional response or feeling of animosity towards someone or something you feel has deliberately done you wrong.

Greed

Greed, or avarice, is the excessive desire for more than one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.

Sloth

Sloth is the avoidance of physical or spiritual work. It is the failure to utilize one's talents and gifts, often leading to a failure to fulfill one's potential.

Cultural Impact

The seven deadly sins have had a significant impact on Western culture, appearing in various forms of art, literature, and media. They have been the subject of paintings, books, films, and plays, serving as a framework for storytelling and moral caution.

See Also

• Virtue
• Christian ethics
• Moral theology

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