If you have been alive for any length of time, and we're assuming you have been, then you've heard about the Seven Deadly Sins at some point.
The question that you might have however would pertain to what they are. While they are referred to constantly in both pop culture and religious culture, the real answer behind what they actually are is often left in a shroud of confusion.
It does not help matters of course that the definition of the Seven Deadly Sins changes significantly over the course of time and it is not unusual to hear a different or outdated version.
The question of "What Are the Seven Deadly Sins?" is a legitimate one. Most people in the modern world do not know what they are or have only heard of them.
That being said, we will start by saying that the Catholic Church separates sin into two categories which are the following:
Moving on, we will now discuss the Seven Deadly Sins in detail, and hopefully you will come away with a basic understanding.
This one should be self explanatory, and many believe that lust has to do with sexual activity, but there are also those who believe it has more to do with loving too many women at once.
In this way, it would suggest that loving many women, or lusting after them in the least would put women on a pedestal above God himself.
3rd Commandments: Thou Shalt have no other Gods Before Me. The above words would, to the belief of many, render this particular sin a reference to idol worship, and the same could apply to any other items that you may "lust" after.
This word was adapted from a Latin word, gluttire. The literal translation is to "gulp down" or "swallow". This is not so much an advisement against eating as it is withholding from the needy.
This was an issue in Biblical times just as much as it is now. It could apply to governments withholding food from their people, or simply a wealthy individual hoarding food within their own storehouses. In other words, consumption does not need to be a factor.
Like Glutton or Lust, Greed applies to desire, but these desires are typically more excessive.
This could be the pursuit of wealth or status, and it goes back to idol worship. Attaining status is theoretically okay, so long as you do not base your life around it.
This is one of the most common sins in this day and age, and it essentially means failing to take advantage of your natural talent.
For instance you could be very good at ropemaking, but if for some reason you despise ropemaking, you would be committing a deadly sin by attempting to take up something else.
This deadly sin basically states that you should practice what you are good at and not put your talents to waste.
This can be translated as anger toward another person, a situation, or an idea. Take note that wrath is one of the moral sins, and as such it clings to the individual long after they are dead.
There are several ways that wrath can manifest itself, for instance you have revenge, impatience, and vigilanteism.
Commandment 10: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbo's house.
Envy is one of the seven deadly sins due to the fact that it oftentimes leads to violence, wrath, or perhaps even murder. It closely coincides with jealousy and wanting what you cannot have.
Being content with what you have and ensuring that you are glad for others in what they possess is crucial to living a better life.
Pride goes hand in hand with failing to recognize the good works of others, and loving oneself excessively.
In some cases those who are prideful may in fact elevate themselves above God, and this goes right back to idol worship. It is well known that Lucifer was cast down from heaven due to his prideful nature, and so too is the fate of any man or woman who fails to practice humility.
VANITY is a form of pride. Essentially one would be boasting excessively over the deeds they have done. It could be a professional accomplishment, or perhaps glory in battle. Either way, there is still a sin here, and a mortal one at that.
As stated before, the definition of the Seven Deadly Sins changes over time, but when one asks "What are the Seven Deadly Sins?", you can now answer them with relative confidence.