Question

In the Catholic faith, these are lesser sins, such as disrespect or petty theft, which do not rupture a Christian's relationship with God and condemn him/her to Hell. Any of these sins which go unconfessed during one's lifetime must be cleansed after death in Purgatory before one may enter Heaven. What are these sins called?

A) Mortal sins
B) Original sins
C) Venial sins
D) Capital sins

Answer 1

In the Catholic faith, venial sins are lesser sins that do not lead to Hell but must be cleansed in Purgatory if unconfessed. These include actions like disrespect or petty theft and are forgivable through Confession.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the Catholic faith, the sins that are lesser in nature and do not break a person's relationship with God, leading them to Hell, are called venial sins (C). These sins include actions like disrespect or petty theft. If they remain unconfessed during one's lifetime, they must be cleansed in Purgatory after death before the individual can enter Heaven. Venial sins, as opposed to mortal sins, do not cause a complete separation from God and are considered forgivable. Practicing Catholics aim to confess these sins through the sacrament of Confession, to seek absolution and do penance as prescribed by a priest.

Other concepts related to venial sins include Indulgences, which could reduce the time spent in Purgatory, and the Seven Sacraments like Baptism, which is believed to cleanse the original sin, and Communion, demonstrating a spiritual connection with God.