Introduction
seven deadly sins , also called seven capital sins or seven cardinal sins , in Roman Catholic theology , the seven vices that spur other sins and further immoral behaviour. First enumerated by Pope Gregory I (the Great) in the 6th century and elaborated in the 13th century by St. Thomas Aquinas , they are (1) vainglory , or pride, (2) greed , or covetousness, (3) lust , or inordinate or illicit sexual desire, (4) envy , (5) gluttony , which is usually understood to include drunkenness, (6) wrath , or anger, and (7) sloth . Each of these can be overcome with the seven corresponding virtues of (1) humility, (2) charity, (3) chastity , (4) gratitude, (5) temperance, (6) patience, and (7) diligence. The seven deadly sins can be thought of as dispositions toward sin and separation from God. Lust, for example, coul...