Summary
On the Catholic Church and how it teaches about sin.
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Notes
Simply put, sin is a failure to love as we ought.
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Teaching About Sin
A friend has asked me a question very close to this:
I have the impression that the Catholic Church is very vocal and outward about declaring sin publicly, especially in the media (abortion, homosexuals, cloning). I believe that telling people their sins is counterproductive to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19); the Holy Spirit is the one who should convict people of sin through the truth.
Do you think that so openly reminding people of their sin is productive to the Kingdom of God? Do you think that the general non-believer sees such criticisms as said out of love and a desire for Holiness or as a threatening accusation?
I reply that the Church must clearly present moral truths. In the Great Commission Jesus insisted upon it.
"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)
The light of truth should not be kept secret, like a candle under a basket. The truth must be professed, and spoken in love. As one of my favorite quotes from the Catechism reads:
"The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. Whether something is proposed for belief, for hope or for action, the love of our Lord must always be made accessible, so that anyone can see that all the works of perfect Christian virtue spring from love and have no other objective than to arrive at love." (CCC #25)
The Church condemns no one. Truly, the Church hates sin, not people. For instance, (contrary to your suggestion) the Church does not condemn homosexuals, those who experience same-sex attraction. As the Catechism teaches, "They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity." The Church opposes homosexual acts for their great harm to souls. "Homosexual persons are called to chastity."
(CCC #2357-9)
Perhaps a reason that Catholic teachings like this are so misunderstood is because people often learn about them second-hand through the media. When a moral issue arises in the culture, such as stem-cell research, the Church responds. Unfortunately the media reports poorly on ideas, especially those it opposes. The Church's reasoned and compassionate presentation gets reduced to soundbites.
Another problem is that the media does not report on the Church's full teachings but only those pertaining to the issue of the day. When was the last time you saw a report about the Church's views on love, forgiveness, or salvation? If you really want to know what the Church believes and why, I encourage going to the source. For this, the Catechism is a treasure.
Do I think that openly reminding people of their sin is productive to the Kingdom of God? If it leads to repentance, absolutely. When I feel guilt, it is probably because I am guilty. "Repent, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be wiped away" (Acts 3:19) The Church always has and always will receive a penitent person with joy.
Do I think that the general non-believer sees this teaching as said out of love or as a threatening accusation? Often the latter, I imagine. Our fallen nature repels against correction and its source, even from a close friend. But the alternative, for the Church to maintain silence on moral issues, would be no kindness. �If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.�
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