Key difference: Sin is a concept most commonly associated with religion, whereas immorality refers to committing acts that are generally considered as immoral, i.e. acts that are considered to be morally and/or ethically wrong. They are both considered to be incorrect behavior and are generally frowned upon.

Sin and immorality are terms that both refer to transgressions that our frowned upon in society. However, the terms do have slightly different contexts. Sin is a concept most commonly associated with religion, whereas immorality refers to committing acts that are generally considered as immoral, i.e. acts that are considered to be morally and/or ethically wrong.

Sin is considered to be going against God’s will. According to most religions, God has decreed certain laws on how humans should live; these include laws on what is acceptable behavior by humans and what is not. Any behavior that is not condoned by God’s law, as stated in the religious doctrines, is considered to be a sin.

Some religions often divide sins according to severity of the transgression. Under this concept, some sins are considered to be greater than others. This concept defines sins in a spectrum from minor errors to deadly misdeeds. The most recognized concept of sins is the Christian concept of the seven deadly sins, which includes wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony.

Some sins overlap with crimes as stated by legal laws of a country. However, this may not always be the case. For example, taking someone’s life is considered a sin in most religions. It is also considered as murder, a crime punishable by legal law. On the other hand, pride is also considered as a sin by most religions; however it is not a crime in most countries.

Immorality, on the other hand, refers to acts and behavior that are not condoned by society. These are acts that are considered to be immoral or ethically questionable.  However, the acts that are defined as immoral may vary from society to society or from culture to culture. For example, wearing a bikini or even a short skirt for that matter may be acceptable in one culture, whereas it may be considered immoral in another.

Furthermore, not only is immorality subjective to society and cultures, it is also subjective to personal preferences. For example, one may consider drinking and staying out with friends as immoral behavior, which is why they may not partake in it. However, for most youngsters this is accepted and fun behavior. They do not consider it to be immoral.

Hence, it can be said that the main difference between sin and immorality is the fact that sin mainly backed by religion, whereas immorality is backed by social norms and beliefs. However, this does not mean that they are not interrelated. They are both considered to be incorrect behavior and are generally frowned upon. However, sin usually encompasses behavior that is considered to have a more negative connotation than immoral.

Comparison between Sin and Immorality:

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