sin

Sin is a term used across many cultures and belief systems to refer to actions, thoughts, or omissions that violate a perceived moral or divine law. In religious contexts, sins are typically seen as offenses against God or gods and as disruptions of proper relationships with the sacred, with consequences for the individual and the community.

In Judaism, sin is a transgression of Torah commandments, ranging from personal wrongs to collective violations. Repentance (teshuva), prayer, and acts of atonement are common responses. In Christianity, sin includes acts against God and neighbor, and theories differ on human nature, grace, and redemption. Some traditions distinguish mortal sins from venial sins, while others emphasize original sin as a condition inherited from humanity. Forgiveness often involves repentance, faith, or ritual rites, and the possibility of reconciliation with God is central to many Christian practices. In Islam, sin (d嗯) denotes disobedience to Allah, with both major and minor sins. Tawbah (repentance) and seeking forgiveness are emphasized, along with prayers and righteous conduct to restore alignment with divine will.

Beyond faith communities, sin is occasionally used in secular ethics to describe grave moral wrongs or violations of social norms, though without theological implications. Philosophers debate whether sin is a meaningful category outside religion, or whether moral wrongdoing can be understood solely in terms of rights, duties, and harms.

Common features across traditions include a recognition of wrongdoing, a concern for consequences, and pathways to repair or forgive. See also repentance, forgiveness, ethics, morality.