Lecture Notes: The Seven Deadly Sins

Overview

• The seven deadly sins (also known as capital vices or cardinal sins) are a classification of vices within Christian teachings.
• Originated within Catholic Church teachings and have influenced various facets of culture including art, literature, and film.
• They are pride, greed, wrath, envy, lust, gluttony, and sloth.

Historical Development

• Tertullian and Evagrius Ponticus were early figures in classifying sins.
• Evagrius initially identified nine logismoi (temptations) which he reduced to eight.
• John Cassian, a student of Evagrius, translated these into Latin, influencing Western Christianity.
• Pope Gregory I revised the list to its most recognized form today, combining some and adding envy.

Influence on Arts and Culture

• Inspired medieval and modern art, sculptures, and popular media.
• Pervasive in literature, films, and philosophical thoughts.

Definition and Characteristics of Each Sin

Lust

• Intense longing, primarily referring to sexual desire.
• Can lead to other sinful acts like fornication or adultery.

Gluttony

• Overconsumption to the point of waste.
• Medieval views included forms like eating too soon, too much, or too eagerly.

Greed

• Intense and selfish desire for wealth or power.
• Viewed as leading to treachery and violence.

Sloth

• Refers to spiritual, mental, and physical laziness.
• Originally about neglect of spiritual duties.

Wrath

• Intense anger that may lead to hate and vengeance.
• Becomes sinful when directed at an innocent or excessive in nature.

Envy

• Resentment towards others’ traits or possessions.
• Can manifest in attempts to undermine others.

Pride

• Considered the original and most severe sin.
• Opposite of humility, leads to other vices.

Modern Interpretations

• Pride remains a significant confessed sin among women; lust among men.
• Modern culture continues to explore these themes in various forms.

Related Concepts

• Seven virtues, theological virtues, and cardinal virtues are often discussed in tandem as remedies or counterbalances to these sins.

Observations

• The "Seven Deadly Sins" also parallel similar concepts in other religions and philosophies like Hinduism’s Arishadvargas.
• They serve as a moral guide to prevent individuals from straying into destructive behaviors.