As you may have picked up, dear reader, from previous posts, I am a drug and alcohol counselor with homeless addicts in a city setting. One of my clients, during our one on one session a few days ago, came to me with fears that she is going to hell because she is homeless. She informed me that the Vatican recently released a new list of things that are deadly sins, and this was on it. I’m pleased to say that this hell-fear has driven her into a women’s shelter, something she has heretofore avoided, and I was most interested in verifying her information. I followed up on the Time article she mentioned to get more details, and as it turns out, she’s right, in a way. In March, the Vatican released seven deadly SOCIAL sins, and they are as follows:
1. Bioethical sins,
2. Morally dubious experiments that harm human embryos,
3. Drug abuse,
4. Polluting,
5. Social injustice,
6. Accumulating excessive wealth and
7. Creating poverty.
I don’t quite know how to react to this. I work for a Catholic agency, and it makes me wonder about the repercussions for my agency. Additionally, I am Catholic – by choice and I take all statements from the Vatican with a huge grain of salt. For the most part, I’m happy to see that a statement is being made about the importance of social justice, for example and it definitely provides fodder for thought.
Will this list make a difference in whether or not these things occur?
I think that by publishing this list, the Vatican is helping to lend credence to the idea that these are important issues to which to pay attention, and I appreciate that. The rest of my comments relate to each individual “sin.” Not really to the first two, but I have trouble with the idea that drug abuse is a sin. Addicts feel bad enough about themselves – adding an extra level of shame because they’re “sinning” is NOT going to help them.
The last two, I think, are less someone that individuals do and more something that an organization of people does. You know, a government or a company, but not individuals. This makes me leery, when religion and macro-level ruling bodies mix. That rarely ends well.
should not be considered a sin. To me that is like saying that having diabetes is a sin. I see addiction as a disease.
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
You're absolutely right. I think of addiction as a disease as well. And there should not be any shaming where that's concerned.
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
Well, I think drug abuse is a form of gluttony, which is a deadly sin. You could say the same about any other kind of abuse.
Out of curiosity, why did she think being homeless was a sin? She can't help it...
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
The thing about drug abuse that I think seperates it from gluttony is the loss of control associated with it. Now, i can't imagine this b/c I'm not an addict, but my clients cannot NOT drink or smoke once they've started to. They can NOT say, I've had enough. There is something in them, in their spirit or their physical make-up that won't allow it. "Cunning, baffling and powerful."
To answer your second question, I just don't think that she remembered the article all the way, and thought she read that being poor (and homeless) was a sin, rather than creating poverty the sin.
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
Well, coming from the granddaughter of a former alcoholic, I've seen how addictions can destroy families. I think that the Church is correct in making abuses of substances a grave sin. It alters the brain and is dangerous for the person and for those around them. It can lead to other sins, such as abuse and irrational actions. If a person is addicted, he or she should seek help and try to remove themselves from that addiction. By being content in their misery, they are creating an atmosphere of sin and thus are in mortal danger. Also, the Church doesn't create the sin; She merely acknowledges the existence of it.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
"It is poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish."
~Mother Teresa
I totally agree with you, that addicts should work on their addiction. I don't believe a person - once they become an addict - can ever undo the addiction, if you know what I mean, but you are absolutely right that they should work on it, for their sakes and the sakes of everyone around them. I just don't know that they should be blamed for the addiction itself, know what I mean?
THanks for the post!
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
Although I think it is good for churches to recognize the changing times and address the issues, I always thought it was God and the messiah that created what qualified as a sin and made the law. The only other time a religious organization made up additional laws was the pharasees. If its not in the bible its not a sin, it might be WRONG and need dealing with, but a sin...No.
Plus I think these things fall under the all inclusive previous comands and God needs no editing. Unless of course the person reading this is a non-believer, in which case please just go on ignoring religious babble ;)
Love is like a box of chocolates; if you chose wisely you won’t be disappointed and have to spit it out. ~T
The thing about drug abuse that I think seperates it from gluttony is the loss of control associated with it. Now, i can't imagine this b/c I'm not an addict, but my clients cannot NOT drink or smoke once they've started to. They cannot say, I've had enough. There is something in them, in their spirit or their physical make-up that won't allow it. "Cunning, baffling and powerful."
To answer your second question, I just don't think that she remembered the article all the way, and thought she read that being poor (and homeless) was a sin, rather than creating poverty the sin.
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
There are many reasons why individuals can’t stop an addiction.
The number one reason is social surrounding!
Our social surrounding has (yet) no clue upon how to handle abuse!
The same can be said around suicide, whenever it strucks down, socially we remain behind with questions unanswered, although deep inside we know them, but don’t acknowledge those farther than upon a personal level!
The number two reason is their brain!
A brain does not like to be cut from its rush!
Guilt is the number one drive to get anyone addicted, again, guild is the number one drive to addiction!
The second is ignorance, so to find the origin and root of both is fairly easy.
Great blog
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
Yes, perhaps guilt, but I think shame is a totally underestimated feeling in people. And it can be buried so deep, they might not be aware. Shame is everywhere, and very powerful!
Thanks for the thought!
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
Nice Blog!! I think it would have been better if the Catholic Churh decided to put any use of illegal or legal drugs on an abusive level should be a sin.
it doesn't necessary mean that you are a drug addict, but it condemns those that chose to gamble with their lives just to feel pleasure.
it is like a small scale suicide. and is selfish for someone to abuse a drug or experiment with a highly addictive drug.
It also corrupts society. Drugs have been the culprit in gang violence, and alcohol has been involved in at 75% of crimes commited in the United States.
By buying and consuming illegal drugs you are supporting in some form gang violence.
i do think it is a sin. and it is their fault they are in that situation that is why they feel horrible about , but feeling horrible about it doesn't make it right or somehow justice the damage they had done to their family, body, and society.
hopefully it will motivated some addicts off the streets.
It’s important to understand we don’t all live and share the same reality, therefore most amongst carry no clue why a gang is reality in the first place!
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
'It also corrupts society. Drugs have been the culprit in gang violence, and alcohol has been involved in at 75% of crimes commited in the United States.
By buying and consuming illegal drugs you are supporting in some form gang violence"
This is not entirely accurate. Drugs are not the culprit in gang violence, though they may play a part. Gang violence and drug addiction can be linked to a common cause, which is the sense of being disconnected from the self, humanity, and the world.
You are right in that substance abuse is a form of "extended release" suicide if you will, and yes it's damage can precipitate to others outside of the person. Notice though, that suicide is not on the list. (I know that the church considers suicide a sin, but this list has to do with sins against society).
"i do think it is a sin. and it is their fault they are in that situation that is why they feel horrible about , but feeling horrible about it doesn't make it right or somehow justice the damage they had done to their family, body, and society."
Also not entirely accurate. It is not necessarily "their fault," though they did make a choice to use drugs in the first place. Rather, it is their own struggle. Most addicts don't just feel "horrible," they don't feel at all (when they are in an active stage of using). That is the effect they are seeking, because to feel is too painful.
Substance abuse, self mutilation, eating disorders, and suicide are all responses to the same disease. They are all coping skills, albeit negative coping skills. They are also self abusive, which I do not think belong in the same category as sins against society.
Wombels is correct in pointing out that guilt is not only useless, but actually perpetuates these problems. Guilt occurs when people suffering in this kind of existence have a single moment of clarity and begin to comprehend the negative effects their choices have had on those around them. More often than not it only serves to reinforce the need to not feel, and causes a person to plunge even deeper into the negative behavior.
If society, and the church, wanted to make a difference it would first have to acknowledge the pain of existence these people feel. It is not productive to put them in a category of "sinners". It is, however, productive to reach out with empathy. This response challenges their personal belief that they are alone in the world. That is the first step in creating positive change.
Finally, I would edit the list and make the trafficking and selling of drugs a sin against society. Drug dealers and traffickers are monopolizing the market of self abuse, in the same way that pornographers and pimps profit from the pain and self abasement of sexually abused women.
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
This list is another attempt in order to inflict fear upon the herd, apparently they have yet again done a good job at it!
If one would take a (deeper) look upon how Nicaragua is plunging into a vicious circle of human injustice, just because of the way some go around and about abortion in the name of we all know who, it’s not that hard to understand many dwell in fear because of lists like these which are shamelessly pushed in people’s lives.
Balance, harmony and justice are not to be found in a list!
It’s discovered in the surroundings we seek, create and share for all to enjoy from, making it one of the reasons cities are melt pools of everything we love and hate!
I love number 7, what a sarcastic joke that is!
Happy to read many like yourself look around with understanding.
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
I would only consider that these sins would only inflict fear into the herds of the supersitious and already fearful people.
if there is balance and harmony then a simple list wouldn't bother anyone, yet perhaps make people aware of possible destructive behavior in society.
All are fearful, the one’s which aren’t are nothing more than ignorant, while few already fearful people are those who can’t no longer relate to what’s happening in their own brain. They have become stuck in a mindset which drives them crazy.
Why would anybody wish to be bothered?
For long, there could had been a solid balance and harmony, burning books didn’t necessarily speed up this process.
We are fully aware of what possible destructive behavior there is to be found in society, to deal with it properly is something which still needs to surface out of ignorance!
To understand what keeps one ignorant, is to expand beyond one’s limited knowledge.
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
perhaps your fluid belief system in itself is a fearful habitual mindset.
you are so sure in writing this?
this type of reasoning is infinitely regressive. it may give you personal satisfaction , but what about the rest of the world?
Here’s something funny and remarkable, any street(kid) in whatever African city put’s out it’s hand for two things only: money/food.
Outside the boundaries of cities, kids wish for money or candy.
In remote areas kids only fancy candy.
When venturing in areas which are practically cut off from ALL the rest, kids carry one hope only, to receive a pen and paper!
It’s bizarre an experience to live, but fairly easy to understand too.
I carry no belief system whatsoever, I have come to an understanding belief systems are the biggest cancer upon this globe, because these systems push people into limitation and ignorance.
As long as people are not allowed to learn and control their own mind, it will eventually cause them to become a liability to their own and soon after affect their surroundings. To grow up in this reality makes it more harder to understand this!
This is the main reasons why youngsters are kicking hard these days, they are literally saying F**k the System! Sad part is they are not understood by all and to far often considered a liability to have around!
This is not only shameless but also a disturbing truth which is neglected and ignored while handled in ridiculous ways!
Things will get far more worse before they get any better, it are systems which are commonly accepted on a social level who push and dwell people inside ignorance while blindfolding them not to see or understand what’s to be found or seen behind their clouded vision.
To toss a coin once a year towards charity organizations in order to feed one or another country on the African continent is one way to deal with global hypocrisy and “self-inflicted” ignorance!
To understand I or you are not responsible for the continuous drain of natural resources which take place on that continent as we speak, is acceptable, but to understand the price people play and pay in order to shift priorities around OUR needs upon THAT continent is another aspect which might be happening to far away or clouded for our mindset to understand the real issues involved around those lives you or I might never meet in life for real!
People can at least learn to understand life is all about suffering, but allowing and supporting systems to push the extend of this suffering out of proportion is no act which shows purity of heart and spirit!
The longer all turn away from inner self, the lesser it shows in or outside another!
To learn and understand hitting brick walls are not necessarily a sign of above, but one’s own inner self is the best way to break down fear and clear up clouded visions which them lead nowhere than towards a state of mind dwelling in hope! How poor a heart is that to carry around in life?
It’s like walking around with a heart which is colorblind or emotionless for love!
Time for something progressive, we are all potential beings, therefore we should unite in order to bring out the talent which is to be found in each and any of us while putting it at good purpose, this makes the life suffering more than bearable for all to carry along.
Just like self-awareness, the lack of remembrance, “is” one mostly lived and experienced upon a personal level, one keeps the other in proper balance until reached in common understanding.
I grow satisfaction when noticing I triggered someone’s understanding or awareness, I like that!
Enjoy this trailer, it’s way cool…..
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
My list would be:
1) To expose online all name of single males travelling to “Worldly Sex Abusing Paradises”!
2) To castrate all child sex offenders upon their first conviction! One with rapists will surely prove to be effective!
3) To close down all jails, brain chip all those convicted!
4) To ensure no child upon this globe needs to find its food upon a waste dump, regardless of worldly location!
5) To promote jobs and global economical visions upon global travel only!
6) Provide proper (sex)(gay)(racism)education!
7) Shake it up until it triggers those who can make this, or even better happen to become! Lol….
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
and HALLELUJAH! I feel clean now!
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
Awesome list! Thanks for sharing with us!
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
I don’t believe or think it’s awesome because it’s actually quite sad having to come up with a list like that.
Would you perhaps like me to share thoughts around the “Ten Commandments”?
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
Your thoughts are always welcome Wombels. :)
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
it is a sad thing that we need to do it. Perhaps I should just said thanks for thinking of it and sharing it. It made me think about why my seven deadly sins would be.
:)
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
Isn't the Vatican itself one of the world's wealthiest organizations?
Like many churches they often seem more concerned about growing this wealth then distributing it to cure social injustice.
1) Find out about it, it’s easy, it’s just Google your question, we are hardly the first, to question!
;-)
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
Social injustice is self-inflicted, sadly enough many are used eating things, even some feed this not liked to own offspring, the good news, that’s you!
Social injustice starts between the sheets of love, hate, envy, power, money, desire and last but not least, readyness!
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
"...social injustice is self-inflicted..." Do you mean like, what goes around comes around? For example, me oppressing my brother next to me is going to eventually bite me in the ass? Of course it will, for when I oppress another, I"m kinda shutting all of us down.
Okay, so this was a little stream-of-consciousness... wombels, I so appreciate your comments, for you challenge me to think differently. Thanks!
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
I love him for it!
I like the way you think, even though you're a Catholic! Please take that as a joke. If you haven't already, I invite you to read my blog:
http://www.progressiveu.org/50436-religious-intolerane-everywhere
I'd be flattered to receive your feedback.
"Consistency is not a human trait" - Maude, from Harold and Maude
Turtlesuds
I do take it as a joke; fret not. I'll read your post when I get another minute - thanks for sharing it with me! :)
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
Well, it’s the readyness to comply with all the crap which is being thrown our way, we just eat it like if it’s the most normal thing in the world without even questioning those upon the political scenery who fool us over and over again with their blunt lies.
People nowadays blindly accept to be controlled and manipulated by authority, next thing we know we will be electronically shipped! Than we can proudly call and refer to ourselves as, Slaves, lol.
The individuals who are pulling the strings should be openly questioned! Just to raise awareness is enough to make this questioning a reality.
Thanks for your kind words, I like what you write and the way your bring out your thoughts,
http://www.wowzone.com/monkey.htm
I think that it is, which makes that entry so ironic! I remember telling one of my associates about it, and he pointed that out. "Hi Mr. Pot. Here's Kettle. He's black."
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara
social injustice and creating poverty to fall under the same category.
"How can we win where fools can be kings" Muse
Absolutely. I agree.
"Goodness is the only investment that never fails."
H.D.Thoreau http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/sahara