What is concupiscence in Catholic theology?

• A. A specific venial sin.
• B. The tendency or inclination to sin inherited from original sin.
• C. An absolution from sin.
• D. A grace given at baptism.

Answer: (B)

Concupiscence is the inward tendency to sin that remains in human nature after the Fall. It captures how desires can be disordered and pull us toward sin, even though we still have free will to resist. It is not a specific sin, nor an act of forgiveness like absolution, nor a grace given at baptism. Baptism cleanses us from original sin and strengthens us to resist these inclinations, but the inclination itself persists as part of our wounded nature. That’s why the best understanding is that concupiscence is the inherited tendency to sin.