(Cardinal Sin--geez, mav!
)
Okay-- I am with Bob, on pointing out that we need to differentiate between the uses of the word sin. No, you can't commit a virtue. But we can say that being virtuous is the opposite of being sinful.
I do hesitate to aver that we can commit a virtuous act, though technically it is correct, commit meaning to do,
perform , or perpetrate. We commonly hear 'perform' or 'does' good deeds. It does seem that commit has taken on more of the negative connotation.
My brand-new Roget's thesaurus (hardback, even, and I never buy hardbacks if I can help it--they take up too much shelf space) gives these as antonyms for sin (n.): good deed, virtue, kindness. It gives a couple of interesting
"sin"onyms, as well: "The breaking of one's own integrity"-D. H. Lawrence; and, "A departure from God"--Martin Luther.
Hmm--just looked up virtue. One of the alternates listed is Christian values. No other religions are mentioned.
Wonder if that means they think only Christians value virtue?
Interesting, esp. when compared with Mr. Lawrence's statement.
