Oct. 25, 2023 (Bing) -- The seven sins are a list of vices that are considered to be the root of all other sins in Christian teachings. They are also known as the capital vices or cardinal sins. According to the standard list, they are:
- Pride: excessive self-esteem or arrogance, which leads to contempt for others and God.
- Greed: excessive desire for wealth or material possessions, which leads to injustice and exploitation.
- Wrath: excessive anger or hatred, which leads to violence and revenge.
- Envy: excessive resentment or jealousy of others’ good fortune, which leads to discontent and malice.
- Lust: excessive sexual desire or indulgence, which leads to impurity and adultery.
- Gluttony: excessive eating or drinking, which leads to waste and obesity.
- Sloth: excessive laziness or indifference, which leads to negligence and apathy.
These sins are contrary to the seven capital virtues, which are prudence, justice, temperance, courage, faith, hope, and love. The seven sins were first enumerated by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century and later elaborated by St. Thomas Aquinas in the 13th century12. They are often depicted in art and literature as allegorical figures or animals1. For example, pride is represented by a peacock, greed by a toad, wrath by a lion, envy by a snake, lust by a goat, gluttony by a pig, and sloth by a snail1.