concupiscentia
Concupiscence
kon-KYOO-pih-sens
The disordered inclination toward sin that remains even after Baptism; not itself a sin, but the tinder from which sin catches.
strong desire
Even after Baptism has removed original sin, something remains: a tilt in our desires away from reason and toward what is easy, pleasant or selfish. The Church calls this concupiscence and, following the Council of Trent, teaches that it is not sin in itself but is “from sin and inclines to sin.” St Paul describes it as the law in his members at war with the law of his mind. It is left for us to struggle against, and the struggle, with grace, is how virtue grows.
Councils
Where the Church settled or debated this. Follow a council to read our article on it, or the decrees themselves.
- 1545–1563Council of Trentthe decrees
Sources checked 29 September 2026