Transgression (LDS theology)

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In Latter-day Saint theology, transgression is an action that breaks a law, with or without the perpetrator's understanding. A transgression is not necessarily a sin. This suggested contrast between a sin and transgression is illustrated in the careful wording in the Latter-day Saint's second article of faith: 'We believe that men will be punished for their own sins, and not for Adam's transgression (emphasis added). It also echoes a familiar distinction in the law. Some acts, like murder, are crimes because the are inherently wrong. Other acts, like operating without a license, are crimes only becuse they are legally prohibited.

Under these distinctions, the act that produced the Fall was not a sin (inherently wrong) but a transgression (wrong because it was formally prohibited). These words are not always used to denote something different, but this distinction seems meaningful in the circumstances of the Fall. In this respect, LDS belief rejects the doctrine of original sin.

Like sin, transgression is believed to still be a source of pain and repercussions.