The 60-Second Aquinas
Lesson
To Sin and Sin Again
November 24, 1998
When we sin, we lead ourselves toward more sin. Aquinas repeats this idea several times in the Summa, but perhaps the following is most clear: "Reason is darkened against sin … The will is hardened against the good. To act well becomes more difficult. Desire becomes more impulsive" (ST I-II, Q. 85, Art. 3).
Watch how sin causes more sin:
Two teens talk and brag with their friends about sex before going on a date. They then go to a movie that portrays sex merely as something for pleasure rather than an act of commitment.
These two things – talking about sex and the movie – have gotten their hormones raging. Now, the sins just pile on.
First, they have sex. Because they don’t want the consequences of the act, they use contraception. They disobey their parents by staying out past their curfew. They lie to their parents about where they’ve been.
On Sunday morning, perhaps they will go to communion at Mass rather than let on that they have done something wrong.
If the contraception failed, they might open themselves up to the idea of abortion.
It’s sad to say that this is not an uncommon occurrence. But, it demonstrates how one sin leads to so many others.
Explanation of The 60-Second Aquinas Lesson
