Christian theologists believe sin to be as an act of offense against God. This can be done by hating His people and Christian Biblical Law, or by injuring others. It is also defined as making a choice that is morally wrong. St. Augustine of Hippo classified sin as a word, deed or want in opposition to the eternal law of God (127). Other Christian theologists, such as Pelagius, define sin as a loss of love for God and an increasing love for one’s self. An individual’s definition of sin often affects the understanding of Christian grace and salvation.
There are two opposing sides of sin and evil. Mankind is good because human beings were created in God’s image. Human beings have the ability to sin because of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. God is not a sinner, it is human beings that choose to sin. Human beings are responsible for the evil in the world (132). While others believe that humans are born sinful, but with the help from God human beings are able to seek salvation. Pelagius’ writings emphasize goodness within humanity. Pelagius wrote on free will within humanity. He argues that human beings have the ability to choose for themselves.
Pelagius often cites the Old Testament to provide evidence of human nature choosing to do good deeds. He also concludes that we have the choice to do
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The Catholic Church views sin in two ways. There are the mortal sins that endanger your soul and venial sins which are less serious breaches of God’s law. The Catholic Church believes that if you commit a mortal sin you lose the option of Heaven and are sent directly to Hell. In order to have a mortal sin an individual has to commit one of the seven deadly sins. The seven deadly sins are as lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. Violating a deadly sin is considered to be an immoral and evil act. Venial sins are lighter sins that do not determine whether one goes to