ANGER

SLOTH

GREED

i LUST

 

   

PRIDE                                                 ENVY                                              GLUTTONY

 

The Seven Deadly Sins are not exactly biblical, though there are references to these sins  in both testaments of the Bible. 
All these sins are, in essence, selfishness. The origin of this list, according to my research, seems to come from the early Greeks;

perhaps before, according to some sources. This particular list was commonly used in European culture at various times from

St. Augustine's era to the Middle Ages. Lists do vary a bit through history, but they are essentially the same. For instance,

sloth, is regarded as the greatest of all sins in some lists, but lust in others. Sloth is seen as the origin of all other sins because
those who are not vigilant fall into all sorts of hurtful behaviors, destructive attitudes, and uncontrolled passions. In some lists sloth is

defined as laziness; in  others, sadness; in others, melancholy. Today we might identify it as deliberate inaction due to a depressive

mental state, or resignation to fatalistic hopelessness; like those who refuse to vote because they have no faith in the political system.

This list of sins is basically the same from culture to culture, but they manifest themselves somewhat differently, depending on

the culture - plus they are understood in subtly different ways. However, these sins are never seen as good things in any case,

and they are said to always have the same result . . . death. Further, it does not require a revelation from a god, the edict of
a king, or the brains of a rocket scientist to see that these behaviors are deadly to individuals, to groups and to societies.

Divine law, as well as common sense, is written on the human conscience and these truths are universally valid for
all people of every culture throughout all of time. No great culture ever survived by means of
making virtues out of these forms of selfishness.

 

Next project: The Seven Cardinal Virtues.
Do you know them?
Can you name them?

Sweet Dreams

View from my home

Kona, Hawaii