The Catechism of the Catholic Church in Question and Answer Form

Questions and Answers

1803. What does the term “passions” mean? (CCC 1771) The term “passions” means human affections or feelings.

1804. What are the seven principal passions? (CCC 1772) The seven principal passions are: (1) love, (2) hatred, (3) desire, (4) fear, (5) joy, (6) sadness and (7) anger.

1805. Under what condition is moral good or evil in the passions? (CCC 1773) Moral good or evil is in the passions under the condition that they engage reason and will.

1806. How can emotions and feelings be taken up or be perverted? (CCC 1774) Emotions and feelings can be taken up in the virtues or perverted in the vices.

1807. In what does moral perfection consist? (CCC 1775) Moral perfection consists in man’s being moved to the good not by his will alone, but also by his sensitive appetite. (= passions, feelings).