The Seven Deadly Sins - By Microsoft Copilot
The Seven Deadly Sins are a classification of immoral behaviors that have influenced Christian theology, medieval literature, and modern psychology. Though not listed explicitly in the Bible, they were formalized by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century and later elaborated by theologians like Thomas Aquinas. These sins are considered “deadly” because they lead to further moral decay and spiritual separation from God.
Pride
Pride is an inflated sense of self-worth and superiority. It manifests as arrogance, vanity, and a refusal to acknowledge one’s limitations or mistakes. In Christian thought, pride is often considered the root of all sin, as it places the self above others and even above divine authority. Historically, pride was the sin that led to Lucifer’s fall from heaven. In modern life, pride can appear as narcissism, an unwillingness to apologize, or the belief that one is always right.
Greed
Greed is an excessive desire for material wealth or possessions, often at the expense of others. It prioritizes accumulation over generosity and can lead to exploitation, corruption, and injustice. In medieval morality plays, greedy characters were often portrayed as hoarders who ignored the suffering of others. Today, greed is evident in corporate misconduct, environmental disregard for profit, and personal obsession with status symbols.
Lust
Lust is an intense, uncontrolled craving for sexual pleasure. It reduces others to objects of gratification and undermines love, respect, and commitment. While sexuality itself is not condemned, lust becomes sinful when it dominates one’s thoughts and actions. In literature, lust often leads to betrayal or downfall. In contemporary culture, it can be seen in addiction to pornography, infidelity, or manipulative seduction.
Wrath
Wrath is extreme anger that seeks vengeance or harm. It clouds judgment, destroys relationships, and fuels hatred. Unlike righteous anger, which can be a response to injustice, wrath is impulsive and destructive. In Dante’s Inferno, the wrathful are condemned to fight each other endlessly in the River Styx. Today, wrath may appear as road rage, online harassment, or violent retaliation.
Gluttony
Gluttony is the overconsumption of food, drink, or other pleasures. It reflects a lack of self-control and disregard for moderation. In religious contexts, gluttony is not just about eating too much—it’s about placing bodily pleasure above spiritual discipline. In modern terms, gluttony can be seen in binge-eating, compulsive shopping, or wasteful habits that ignore sustainability.
Envy
Envy is the resentment of another’s success, possessions, or qualities. It leads to bitterness, sabotage, and a failure to appreciate one’s own blessings. Envy differs from jealousy in that it desires to deprive others of what they have. In folklore, envious characters often bring ruin upon themselves through spite. Today, envy is fueled by social media comparisons, professional rivalry, and passive-aggressive behavior.
Sloth
Sloth is spiritual and physical laziness—the failure to act, grow, or fulfill one’s potential. It’s not just about being idle; it’s about apathy and disengagement from life’s responsibilities. In Christian tradition, sloth is dangerous because it leads to neglect of one’s duties to God and others. In modern life, sloth may appear as chronic procrastination, lack of ambition, or emotional detachment.
Each of these sins has a corresponding virtue that offers a path to redemption:
Pride is countered by humility
Greed by charity
Lust by chastity
Wrath by patience
Gluttony by temperance
Envy by kindness
Sloth by diligence
These virtues serve as moral antidotes, encouraging balance, compassion, and spiritual growth.
The Seven Deadly Sins have left a lasting imprint on Western culture. From Dante’s Divine Comedy to modern films like Se7en, they continue to serve as powerful symbols of human weakness and moral struggle. They are not just theological concepts—they are archetypes that reflect the choices, temptations, and conflicts we all face.
This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.
To influence (someone/something)
To acknowledge (something/someone)
To undermine (something/someone)
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
1. What was sin number 1?
2. What was sin number 2?
3. What was sin number 3?
4. What was sin number 4?
5. What was sin number 5?
6. What was sin number 6?
7. What was sin number 7?
8. Do you think these sins are acts of evil or acts of weakness?
9. Which of the Seven Deadly Sins is the most prevalent in modern society?
10. Are you a sinner?
11. Do you think these sins are out of date?
12. Do you think that the Christian teaching on the Seven Deadly Sins can be a useful guide for life?
13. How do cultural values shape our perception of what counts as a sin and what doesn’t?
14. Is what counts as a sin for a man the same as what counts as a sin for a woman?
15. How were you taught about religion in school?