Raising Expectations on Sin

Abstract

Since Vatican II, moral theologians have revisted the topic sin time and again. After considering the treatment by the manualists of moral theology of sin, and especially sins in violation of the sixth and ninth commandments, this article proposes four strands of theological argument since the Second Vatican Council that lead to a more robust, pervasive, and social understanding of sin than previously held. As these strands of argument converge we see the possibility of a better appreciation of human capacity and freedom as well as a summons to love and solidarity.