Requirements of SinDetermining the Elements of Human Acts

Definition of Sin (Catechism-CCC)Sin is an offense against God as well as a fault

against reason, truth, and rien ght conscience. Sin is a deliberate thought, word, or deed, or omission contrary to the eternal law of God. In judging the gravity of sin, it is customary to distinguish between mortal and venial sins. (p. 999)

Three elements determine the morality of any human act:

object-the specific thing a person is choosing to do

intention-the intended outcome or goal of the person choosing the object when making a moral decision

circumstances-the specific conditions or facts affecting a moral decision. Circumstances can increase or decrease the goodness or evil of an action.

Requirements: What makes something a sin?

In determining whether an act is morally good or bad, we must consider all three elements together.

For an act to be morally good, both the intention and the object must be good.