CONCEPT OF SIN

The doctrine of sin is central to Christianity, since its basic message is

about redemption in Christ. sin as an act of offence against God by despising
his persons and Christian biblical law, and by injuring others.[2] In Christian views it is
an evil human act, which violates the rational nature of man as well as God's nature and
his eternal law. According to the classical definition of St. Augustine of Hipposin is "a word,
deed, or desire in opposition to the eternal law of God."[3][4]
ROMAN CATHOLICS
Roman Catholic doctrine distinguishes between personal sin (also sometimes called "actual
sin") and original sin. Personal sins are either mortal or venial.
Mortal sins are sins of grave (serious) matter, where the sinner performs the act with full
knowledge and deliberate consent. (cf. CCC 1857)
The act of committing a mortal sin destroys charity, i. e. the grace in the heart of a
Christian; it is in itself a rejection of God (CCC1855). If left un-reconciled, mortal sins may
lead to eternal separation from God, traditionally called damnation.
Both mortal and venial sins have a dual nature of punishment. They incur both guilt for the
sin, yielding eternal punishment, and temporal punishment for the sin. Reconciliation is an
act of God's mercy, and addresses the guilt and eternal punishment for sin. Purgatory and
indulgences address the temporal punishment for sin, and exercise of God's justice.