Conservative Donnybrook

According to this story, the Vatican has updated its list of mortal sins, adding seven new ones to the mix. The new sins are (in no particular order):

1. Drug abuse
2. Morally debatable experimentation
3. Environmental pollution
4. Causing poverty
5. Social inequality and injustice
6. Genetic manipulation
7. Accumulating excessive wealth

My initial take: There appears to be some overlap with one or two of these (morally debatable experimentation and genetic manipulation, for instance) and there may be some debate as to where exactly the line between excessive and not excessive lies. And, I suppose, since all sin is personal, I have a hard time seeing how social inequality and injustice might be charged to any individual. How does one cause poverty? Isn’t that already covered under “Thou shalt not steal?” And, does that commandment encompass the corollary, “Thou shalt not tax and spend profligately?” Is there a parable where Jesus pronounces upon the issue of littering?

I also take exception to P.J.’s 11th Commandment: “Thou shalt not blog.”

Share This

After the devastating fires in Southern California last year and particulalry in Griffith Park, a new threat has emerged to the once pristine natural environment: Sierra Club members.  Some of the more advanced members of the 100+ year old organization have been trampling plant life, disturbing natural animal habitats and otherwise contributing to the destruction of the already sensitive habitat in this critical area.  It seems as if the ego of some members has become more important to them than the environment the claim to cherish.  

Share This