In Catholicism, the Original Deadly Sins are:
- Pride
- Envy
- Gluttony
- Lust
- Anger
- Greed
- Sloth
Yesterday, I read an article about the modernization of deadly sins & the dwindling number of Catholics going to Confession.
The new mortal sins listed by Archbishop Gianfranco Girotti are as follows:
- Environmental pollution
- Genetic manipulation
- Accumulating excessive wealth
- Inflicting poverty
- Drug trafficking and consumption
- Morally debatable experiments
- Violation of fundamental rights of human nature
The list came up at the end of a training seminar in Rome for priests, aimed at encouraging a revival of the practice of confession (Sacrament of Penance). Read the article here.
Confession is one of the most misunderstood Sacraments in the Catholic Church. As Catholics, we are taught that by confessing--acknowledging--our sins, grace can be restored into our souls & we learn to resist making the same transgressions.
Several Catholics (and Non-Catholics) often ask whether they can confess their sins directly to God and be forgiven or should they go through a priest. From what I remember and understand in those many years of going to Catholic school, the answer is yes--you can directly confess to God.
As with any other belief/faith, as humans, we are expected to know right from wrong. Once in a while, we find ourselves falling into the gray areas (if not the dark side). But when that realization dawns upon us, it is really up to us whether we should or should not continue making the same mistakes. The battle between good and evil does not only exist in our surroundings. It also exists within our own conscience.
Rambling Gypsy