As to what constitutes sin, Christian ideas differ. Thus, some may think gambling is indifferent so long as no obligation is infringed, while others consider gambling wrong as such. The traditional view, presupposed by Christian asceticism, is that a major way to perfection lies in performing or in refraining from indifferent acts solely to please God. It is explicit in Western mysticism and in modern Roman Catholic teaching. Among Protestants it was typical of Martin Luther and John Wesley.
Habitual sin is called vice.
The seven deadly, or capital, sins are pride, covetousness, lust, anger, gluttony, envy, and sloth. The opposite of sin is virtue , but in Christian practice the opposite of sin is grace , i.e., the merits of Christ's virtues given to humanity. The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. Click here to shop the Bartleby Bookstore .