Gluttony and Sloth

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I have been confused by these two vices as to when they become mortal or venial.
As for gluttony, I know temperance is the virtue we should always strive for, but is anything in excess a sin? And how can you judge when it becomes a grave matter for a mortal sin?
As for sloth, is it solely not doing your duties and work, or can it include not going the extra mile?
 
Execellent question. I worry sometimes about spiritual sloth but I don’t have a good understanding of glutony. My past experience is that usually when I don’t understand a limit I’m guilty of abusing it in some way. So I need to look into this one as well.
 
zjl56 said:
I have been confused by these two vices as to when they become mortal or venial.
As for gluttony, I know temperance is the virtue we should always strive for, but is anything in excess a sin? And how can you judge when it becomes a grave matter for a mortal sin?
As for sloth, is it solely not doing your duties and work, or can it include not going the extra mile?
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First, don’t scruple yourself to death on this. You are correct that these “Deadly Sins” are perversions of corresponding virtues; the reason they are called “Deadly” (or, more recently, “capital”) is that they embody a state of mind that can lead to mortal sin.

With regard to your specific questions, I think it’s safe to say that, provided nobody (including you) is harmed or neglected, it’s ok to lounge on the sofa or eat an extra helping of pie. Excess is not an arbitrary line you cross; one must examine one’s choices and determine, objectively, whether one is becoming a slave to food/drink or laziness.

The same is true about the other capital sins: lust, being a perversion of chastity, is something that can easily become our master. Is it wrong to look admiringly at a woman one finds attractive? No. Is it wrong to allow that admiration to devolve into a desire to posses or use her? Absolutely. Is it seriously perilous to allow that to become a habitual mode of thought? Oh, yes.

So, ask yourself: are the choices you make routinely governed by a desire for gluttony or sloth? Even worse: are gluttony and/or sloth good descriptions of your life?

Peace,
Dante
 
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