Why do Catholics believe that God perceives sins in different degrees? (ie venial vs mortal)?

Question

I though sin was sin was sin. It doesn't matter the degree, the bible states:

"For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." -- James 2:10

Doesn't God, not man, determine what is sin and He will determine the proper method of reconciliation with Him?

We should all fear God, because we were born into inquity, from Adamic sin. The lack of this fear will open the door to things that do not please God. Is that what you want?

kait, thx, yes, different types of sin, but SAME PENALTY. That should not surprise anyone who has been born again.

Answer 1

In Matthew 5:21-28, Jesus equates committing adultery with having lust in your heart, and committing murder with having hatred in your heart. However, this does not mean the sins are equal. What Jesus was trying to get across to the Pharisees was that it is still sin even if you only think about or want to do the act. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day taught people that it was okay to think about anything you wanted to, as long as you did not act on those desires. Jesus is forcing them to realize that God judges a person’s thoughts as well as their actions. Jesus proclaimed that our actions are the results of what is in our hearts (Matthew 12:34).

So, although Jesus said that lust and adultery are both sins – that does not mean they are equal. It is much worse to actually murder a person than it is to simply hate them – even though they are both sinful in God’s sight. There are degrees to sin. Some sins are worse than others. At the same time, in regards to both eternal consequences and salvation, all sins are the same. Each and every sin will lead to eternal condemnation (Romans 6:23). All sin, no matter how “small,” is against an infinite and eternal God, and is therefore worthy of an infinite and eternal penalty. Further, this is no sin too “big” that God cannot forgive it. Jesus died to pay the penalty for sin (1 John 2:2). Jesus died for ALL of our sins (2 Corinthians 5:21). Are all sins equal to God? Yes and no. In severity? No. In penalty? Yes. In forgivability? Yes.

Recommended Resource: Basic Theology by Charles Ryrie.

Answer 2

Because the Bible states that some sins are of different degrees than others.

1 John 5:16-17 - If anyone sees his brother sinning, if the sin is not deadly, he should pray to God and he will give him life. This is only for those whose sin is not deadly. There is such a thing as deadly sin, about which I do not say that you should pray. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that is not deadly.

Catholics believe:

Mortal sin is a grave infraction of the law of God that destroys the divine life in the soul of the sinner (sanctifying grace), constituting a turn away from God. For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must be present: grave matter, full knowledge of the evil of the act, and full consent of the will.

Venial sin is a sin which does not destroy the divine life in the soul, as does mortal sin, though it diminishes and wounds it. Venial sin is the failure to observe necessary moderation, in lesser matters of the moral law, or in grave matters acting without full knowledge or complete consent.

But continual venial sin can slowly but surely totally separate you from God, placing you into the state of mortal sin.

For more information, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sections 1854 and following: http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt3sect1chpt1art8.htm#1854

With love in Christ.

Answer 3

I don't think that is the way James 2:10 is to be interpreted.

I don't believe James is trying to say that all sin is the same degree but more that all sin is sin and comes between us and God.

Stealing a pen from work cannot possibly be the same degree of sin as murdering my husband. Yet both are sins. I think James was trying to say that one person who keeps most of the law is no less a sinner than a person who doesn't keep the law at all.

This is not about degree of sin but the understanding that all have sinned, and do sin. None of us should hold ourselves up and say we are better than another because we haven't committed murder, or adultery etc. Sin requires forgiveness and all can be forgiven through Christ's sacrifice. We are all in need of forgiveness....murderers and pen theifs.

Answer 4

I grew up Catholic. Here is why sins are viewed different.... because they are. Let's look at laws I park in a no parking zone I get a ticket or maybe get towed away. I shoot some people for fun I go to prison for life. You want me to go to prison for life for parking in a no parking zone? Are you nuts?
Now still as far as Catholicism goes I could care less. I have no use for any organized religion.
By the way don't take quotes out of the Bible out of context. The bible suggest that if a man has sex with a sheep the sheep should be killed. What did the sheep do? The Bible is not a word by word fact based manual. It's a book of stories to keep really primitive people in line. If you are a really primitive person then you will need this type of thing to keep you in a constant state of fear.
The rest of us will try and accomplish something worth while by learning and being open minded to good ideas.

Answer 5

You're right, sin IS sin, but since we are not perfect, we're all going to slip up and occasionally lose our cool when it comes to how we conduct ourselves, or react to the conduct of others.

It can be something simple, like envy. This is harmful, but is easily remedied with a bit of self-reflection and acknowledgment.

It can also become a grave issue, such as wishing someone is dead. According to the Christian doctrine I am familiar with, to wish death upon someone is just as bad as premeditated murder.

Compare jealousy to the contemplation of murder. Does it still seem so black and white? I hope not.

God bless. Excellent question.

Answer 6

The same Bible also says that 'there is sin that does not lead to death.'

The same Bible also says that different sins should be punished in different ways.


Besides, completely apart from your religious authorities, it should be obvious that something minor is not the same thing as being a murderer.


The belief you push is merely an excuse to tell children they are evil to make them more submissive.

Answer 7

Really? No difference in sin?

So, a person who tells a lie to a stranger is just as "sinful" as a murderer?

I think not.

You guys sure have your heads screwed on backwards or something.

No such thing as sin anyway....nor hell, heaven or the rest of the fairytale.

Answer 8

Here's a protestant perspective:

Sins receive their aggravations, From the persons offending: if they be of riper age, greater experience or grace, eminent for profession, gifts, place, office, guides to others, and whose example is likely to be followed by others. From the parties offended: if immediately against God, his attributes, and worship; against Christ, and his grace; the Holy Spirit, his witness, and workings; against superiors, men of eminency, and such as we stand especially related and engaged unto; against any of the saints, particularly weak brethren, the souls of them, or any other, and the common good of all or many. From the nature and quality of the offense: if it be against the express letter of the law, break many commandments, contain in it many sins: if not only conceived in the heart, but breaks forth in words and actions, scandalize others, and admit of no reparation: if against means, mercies, judgments, light of nature, conviction of conscience, public or private admonition, censures of the church, civil punishments; and our prayers, purposes, promises, vows, covenants, and engagements to God or men: if done deliberately, wilfully, presumptuously, impudently, boastingly, maliciously, frequently, obstinately, with delight, continuance, or relapsing after repentance. From circumstances of time and place: if on the Lord's day, or other times of divine worship; or immediately before or after these, or other helps to prevent or remedy such miscarriages: if in public, or in the presence of others, who are thereby likely to be provoked or defiled.

Answer 9

the bible says that there is a sin Unto Death, it also says, there is a sin Not Unto Death.
in other words some sins that are serious enough to cause the death of the soul
there are some sins that do not cause death of the soul. we call these mortal sin and veniel sins.

Answer 10

Because some things are WORSE than OTHERS. Take for example :Criminals: You have your stupid "auto thefts" than you have your Murderers--- Do you understand Now?. It is True that ONLY God knows How you will reconcile with HIM, However may decide WHAT is to be reconciled.