Sin is a term used mainly in a religious context to describe an act that violates a moral rule, or the state of having committed such a violation. Commonly, the moral code of conduct is decreed by a divine entity (such as Yahweh or Allah in the Abrahamic religions).

Sin is often used to mean an action that is prohibited or considered wrong; in some religions (notably some sects of Christianity), sin can refer to a state of mind rather than a specific action. Colloquially, any thought, word, or act considered immoral, shameful, harmful, or alienating might be termed "sinful".

Common ideas surrounding sin in various religions include:

* Punishment for sins, from other people, from God either in life or in afterlife, or from the Universe in general.

* The question of whether or not an act must be intentional to be sinful.

* The idea that one's conscience should produce guilt for a conscious act of sin.

* A scheme for determining the seriousness of the sin.

* Repentance from (expressing regret for and determining not to commit) sin, and atonement (repayment) for past deeds.

* The possibility of forgiveness of sins, often through communication with a deity or intermediary; in Christianity often referred to as salvation.


Crime and justice are related secular concepts.


Source : www.wikipedia.org