Am I in a State of Mortal Sin?

[Inquiringperson]

I read somewhere that violating copyrights is a mortal sin. I also know that not informing your conscience on purpose is a mortal sin. With that said, here is the story:

I was trying to figure out if “deep linking” was a violation of copyrights. So I e-mailed a lawyer about this issue. Before I sent this e-mail, I was thinking about asking another question on whether a certain issue was a violation of copyright or not. I decide not to and I sent the e-mail. Immediately, I had thoughts that I should have asked that question, so I decided to ask that question when I had a chance the next day to a different lawyer, which I did. This was a few days ago.

Did I commit a mortal sin?

 

[Bookcat]

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

1. When does one commit a mortal sin?

1855-1861
1874

One commits a mortal sin when there are simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and, if unrepented, leads us to the eternal death of hell. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation.

1. When does one commit a venial sin?

1862-1864
1875

One commits a venial sin, which is essentially different from a mortal sin, when the matter involved is less serious or, even if it is grave, when full knowledge or complete consent are absent. Venial sin does not break the covenant with God but it weakens charity and manifests a disordered affection for created goods. It impedes the progress of a soul in the exercise of the virtues and in the practice of moral good. It merits temporal punishment which purifies.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

 

[ChibiViolet]

I read somewhere that violating copyrights is a mortal sin. I also know that not informing your conscience on purpose is a mortal sin. With that said, here is the story:

I was trying to figure out if “deep linking” was a violation of copyrights. So I e-mailed a lawyer about this issue. Before I sent this e-mail, I was thinking about asking another question on whether a certain issue was a violation of copyright or not. I decide not to and I sent the e-mail. Immediately, I had thoughts that I should have asked that question, so I decided to ask that question when I had a chance the next day to a different lawyer, which I did. This was a few days ago.

Did I commit a mortal sin?

Where did you read that and what exactly did you do?

 

[chimo]

I read somewhere that violating copyrights is a mortal sin. I also know that not informing your conscience on purpose is a mortal sin. With that said, here is the story:

I was trying to figure out if “deep linking” was a violation of copyrights. So I e-mailed a lawyer about this issue. Before I sent this e-mail, I was thinking about asking another question on whether a certain issue was a violation of copyright or not. I decide not to and I sent the e-mail. Immediately, I had thoughts that I should have asked that question, so I decided to ask that question when I had a chance the next day to a different lawyer, which I did. This was a few days ago.

Did I commit a mortal sin?

No Jesus would not have considered to leave you for what you have done. What you have done is not mortal. God can accept certain sins and He will not leave a soul for what you have described. It must be a very serious sin for God not to partake into it. I mean by those words that God who is in you can tolerate what sins you commit everyday. It is those sins which the Apostle Paul considers which are very grevious that we must avoid. Now an example of that sin which the Apostle talks about is the same as those Nazis soldiers who would murder innocent Jewish people and then go to Mass on Sundays! Another example is when we will engage into sleeping with all kinds of women and still go to Church. God cannot stand to be in a person who will involve in this type of activity.

Your concerns is no way near to what these sins are. Stop worrying yourself and try to fix what you have done by fixing it yourself. If you need advice about this spiritually then talk to a well informed priest. Stealing in what you describe can be serious though I would not give it a mortal sentence. If you are stealing then of course stop what you are doing. Lying about it when you are doing this is serious though and again I would never give it a mortal tone. It would have been different if you plan to take over these files and sell them for your own interests and by doing this you are robbing people of their income. But if it is only for your own personal interests so you do not have to pay for some copyrights and you decide to use it only for yourself then I would not consider this as mortal. However even if the tone of your actions is only venial it will still be good to talk it over with a priest.