Ethan Walker
Catholicism is a broad church, and the concept of sin is central to its teachings. The Catholic Church has been criticised for the behaviour of some of its members, but the Bible is clear that a Church can contain sinners and still be a true Church. Indeed, the biblical support for this concept is abundant. The Church teaches that all humans are sinful and rebellious, and that even those in a state of grace can be referred to as 'sinners'. In Catholic theology, justification is something that one becomes through practice of the sacraments, faith in Christ, and works of charity. The first step in being a good Catholic is to acknowledge that you have sinned and to show mercy and patience to all.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sinner | One who engages in sin |
| Sin | To be "off the mark" |
| Biblical Support | The Catholic Church is a true church that contains sinners |
| Justification | Something one becomes through practice of sacraments, faith in Christ, and works of charity |
| Grace | Catholics in a state of grace should not call themselves sinners |
| Penance | To be sorry for one's sins |
| Mercy | Jesus calls for mercy, not sacrifice |
| Worship | Catholics begin Mass with the Penitential Rite, acknowledging their sins |
| Salvation | Catholics do not agree with the Protestant doctrine of "once saved, always saved" |
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What You'll Learn
The biblical view of a Church containing sinners
The Bible acknowledges that the Church is not a fellowship of sinless people, but rather a fellowship of forgiven sinners striving for a life of holiness and obedience to God. This is supported by the parable of the wheat and weeds (Matthew 13:24–30, 36–43), which suggests that non-believers and dissenters within the Church will be many, not few.
Jesus himself assumed that sinners and dissenters would be present in the Church (Matthew 3:12; 13:24–30, 47–50; 22:1–14; 24:1–13; 25:14–30), and Paul concurs (Acts 20:30; 2 Tim. 2:15–20). The presence of sinners in the Church is further evidenced by the problems faced by early Christian groups, such as the Corinthians and the Galatian church, which Paul addressed in his letters.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of dealing with sin within the Church through biblical church discipline, which aims to restore the offender rather than punish or exclude them (Galatians 6:1). This discipline is an act of love, as indifference towards a fellow believer's sin is akin to hating them (James 5:19-20).
Furthermore, the recognition of our own sinfulness can foster mercy and patience towards others, enabling us to embrace them as fellow sinners on a shared journey (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13). This is exemplified by Pope Francis, who, despite being the leader of the Catholic Church, acknowledged that he, too, is a sinner, trusting in "the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ."
While it is acknowledged that sin is prevalent within the Church, it does not negate the possibility of a true Church. God works through sinful and rebellious humans, as seen in his choices of David, Paul, and Peter, who all had their flaws. The endurance of the Church is not dependent on the perfection of its members but on God's will (Matthew 16:18).
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The Catechism's definition of a sinner
The Catechism's treatment of sin ends with a section on The Proliferation of Sin (1865-1869), which describes how habits of sin become vices. The Catechism acknowledges that while “sin is a personal act” (1868), these personal acts “give rise to social situations and institutions that are contrary to the divine goodness” (1869). The Catechism quotes 1 John, in which the metaphor of light and darkness conveys the absence or presence of sin:
> God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness, we lie and do not do what is true; but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
In the Catechism of the Catholic Church, sin is defined as an offense against reason, truth, and right conscience. It is a failure in genuine love for God and neighbour caused by a perverse attachment to certain goods. It wounds the nature of man and injures human solidarity. It has been defined as "an utterance, a deed, or a desire contrary to the eternal law."
Sin is an offense against God: "Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight." Sin sets itself against God's love for us and turns our hearts away from it. Like the first sin, it is disobedience, a revolt against God through the will to become "like gods," knowing and determining good and evil. Sin is thus "love of oneself even to contempt of God." In this proud self-exaltation, sin is diametrically opposed to the obedience of Jesus, which achieves our salvation.
The doctrine of original sin, or the acceptance of the claim that the human person is wounded by sin, does not negate the Church’s teaching regarding the dignity of the human person. These ideas can coexist: human beings are created in the image and likeness of God and human beings are wounded by sin. In Church teachings, the universality of sin leads to the claim of the universality of salvation. All are sinners in need of God’s grace. And God’s grace is available to all.
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Pope Francis's declaration of being a sinner
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, has been candid about his own sinfulness. In an interview with America Magazine, the Pope's response to the question, "Who is Jorge Mario Bergoglio?" was:
> "I am a sinner. This is the most accurate definition. It is not a figure of speech, a literary genre. I am a sinner."
He also said, "I trust in the infinite mercy and patience of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I accept it in a spirit of penance." Pope Francis's humility is not performative but expresses a core conviction of the Christian faith.
In the same interview, Pope Francis also spoke about his thoughts on the Catholic Church's focus on social issues such as abortion and homosexuality. He said:
> "I see the church as a field hospital after battle. It is useless to ask a seriously injured person if he has high cholesterol and about the level of his blood sugars! You have to heal his wounds. Then we can talk about everything else. Heal the wounds, heal the wounds…. And you have to start from the ground up."
Pope Francis's comments about his own sinfulness and the Catholic Church's focus on social issues are in line with the biblical concept of a Church containing sinners yet remaining a true Church. As one source puts it, "God has only us sinful, rebellious humans to work with."
> "We mustn't forget that any form of idealization of a human being always brings a subliminal brand of aggression with it as well. If I am idealized I feel under attack."
Pope Francis's comments about being a sinner and his focus on social issues and the community are part of his overall approach to the papacy, which includes taking an active role in social issues and promising reforms in the Vatican.
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The Protestant view of justification vs. Catholic theology
The doctrine of justification is central to the Christian faith, and both Catholics and Protestants agree that God's grace is essential for salvation. However, the Protestant view of justification differs significantly from Catholic theology.
The Protestant view, often associated with the doctrine of justification by faith alone, emphasizes being declared just based solely on Christ's work. This is known as imputed righteousness, which distinguishes between how a person becomes righteous and whose righteousness is in question. Protestants believe that good works are evidence of faith rather than the substance, and these works are rooted in and aided by Christ's love. Luther, a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, believed that baptism led to the removal of eternal punishment for sin and opened heaven to the justified. However, he also held that a person's human nature remained depraved, and original sin was not blotted out, resulting in a lesser communion with God compared to our first parents.
On the other hand, Catholics believe that justification is about becoming personally just, which leads to their perception of a firm divide between justification and sanctification. They teach infused grace and virtue, emphasizing that justification takes place through God's inward healing and transformation, making us children of God. Baptism, according to Catholic theology, is the initial step toward salvation, restoring our communion with God. Catholics also view good works as essential for maintaining justification, considering them the result of the sanctification process.
The Council of Trent played a pivotal role in solidifying the differences between the two denominations. The Roman Catholic Church used this council to establish clear theological affirmations, asserting its authority and the infallibility of its traditions. This council's decrees continue to shape the divide between Catholic and Protestant interpretations of justification.
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The paradox of being a good Catholic
The concept of sin is central to Catholicism, and even Pope Francis has declared himself a sinner. However, he also stated that he trusts in the mercy and patience of Jesus Christ and accepts his sinfulness in a spirit of penance. This idea of acknowledging and accepting one's sinfulness is essential in the Catholic faith. By recognizing our shortcomings, we can show mercy and patience to others, embracing them as fellow sinners on a shared journey. This paradox of being simultaneously sinful and striving for righteousness is a fundamental aspect of Catholic spirituality.
Catholics believe that salvation is a continuous process of working out one's salvation through penance, fasting, and spiritual development. They reject the Protestant doctrine of "once saved, always saved," emphasizing the need for ongoing growth and improvement. This journey towards righteousness is filled with challenges and requires us to confront our sinful nature. As Jesus said, "I did not come to call the righteous but sinners" (Luke 5:32), highlighting the importance of recognizing our sins and seeking redemption.
The Catholic Church itself is not exempt from this paradox. While it is criticized for the sins and failures of its members, the Church maintains that sin does not invalidate its truth and purpose. The biblical support for this idea is abundant, as seen in God's use of imperfect individuals throughout scripture, such as Balaam, David, Paul, and Peter. The Church's endurance is rooted in God's will, as stated in Matthew 16:18, "the powers of death shall not prevail against it."
Furthermore, the concept of justification in Catholic theology differs from Protestant theology. In Catholicism, justification is something one becomes through the practice of sacraments, faith in Christ, and works of charity. It is a gradual process of becoming more and more justified. This contrasts with Protestant theology, where justification is a declaration of righteousness. Despite being in a state of grace, Catholics acknowledge their sins and seek forgiveness, as evident in prayers like the Hail Mary and Penitential Rite.
In conclusion, the paradox of being a good Catholic lies in the recognition of one's sinfulness while striving for righteousness. It is a continuous journey of spiritual growth, repentance, and mercy. Catholics navigate this paradox by embracing their sinful nature, seeking forgiveness, and working towards salvation. This paradoxical nature of Catholicism shapes the spiritual journey of its followers, encouraging humility, mercy, and a constant pursuit of righteousness.
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Frequently asked questions
A sinner in Catholicism is someone who engages in sin. The concept of sin in Roman Catholicism is understood as 'off the mark', like an archer who misses the target.
Yes, the Catholic Church is a true Church despite containing sinners. The Bible provides abundant support for this, as God has worked with sinful and rebellious humans, murderers, and adulterers.
In Catholic theology, justification is something you become through practicing the sacraments, having faith in Christ, and doing charitable works. In Protestant theology, justification is something you are declared to be.
While it is acceptable to call oneself a sinner, it would be wrong to call oneself 'sinful' or 'in a state of sin' as this would be an affront to the grace of Christ, who 'remembers your sins no more'.
The first step in being a good Catholic is to acknowledge that you are a bad Catholic. This means recognizing your sinfulness and professing it during the Penitential Rite at Mass.
