Mortal sin/venial sin meaning

Mortal sin is a grave offense against God that severely damages the relationship between the sinner and God, while venial sin is a less serious offense that does not cut off the sinner from God's grace.


Mortal sin/venial sin definitions

Word backwards latrom lainev/nis nis
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division mor-tal sin/ve-ni-al sin
Plural The plural of mortal sin is mortal sins, and the plural of venial sin is venial sins.
Total letters 19
Vogais (4) o,a,i,e
Consonants (8) m,r,t,l,s,n,v

Mortal Sin and Venial Sin: Understanding the Difference

The concept of sin is deeply ingrained in various religious traditions and moral teachings. In Christian theology, sins are often categorized into two main types: mortal sin and venial sin.

Mortal Sin

Mortal sin is considered a grave offense against God's will and moral law. It is believed to completely sever one's relationship with God and lead to spiritual death. According to Catholic doctrine, for a sin to be considered mortal, it must meet three criteria: it must be of a grave matter, committed with full knowledge of its seriousness, and done with deliberate intent.

Venial Sin

Venial sins, on the other hand, are considered less serious offenses that do not lead to a complete rupture of one's relationship with God. While venial sins weaken the soul and lead to spiritual imperfection, they can be forgiven through acts of penance, prayer, and receiving the sacraments.

It is essential for believers to discern between mortal and venial sins in their spiritual life. While both types of sins have consequences, mortal sins are considered more serious and require repentance and confession to be reconciled with God.

Sinners are encouraged to regularly examine their conscience and seek forgiveness for both mortal and venial sins through the sacrament of reconciliation. By doing so, they can experience God's mercy and grace, allowing them to grow closer to Him and live according to His will.


Mortal sin/venial sin Examples

  1. Accidentally stealing a pen from work is considered a venial sin.
  2. Committing murder is classified as a mortal sin in the Catholic Church.
  3. Telling a white lie may be seen as a venial sin by some.
  4. Skipping Sunday mass without a valid reason is considered a mortal sin.
  5. Gossiping about a friend is often viewed as a venial sin.
  6. Intentionally missing confession is considered a mortal sin in Catholicism.
  7. Consuming alcohol to the point of drunkenness is seen as a venial sin by some.
  8. Engaging in premarital sex is typically considered a mortal sin in many religious traditions.
  9. Using the Lord's name in vain is often categorized as a venial sin.
  10. Failing to care for the poor and marginalized is viewed as a mortal sin by some religious leaders.


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  • Updated 14/06/2024 - 20:52:22