Am I Sinning?

[onmyknees]

Is it a sin if you become aroused when you are trying to learn about something so you keep reading about it even though you are still aroused? Also you have done this often and fallen into grave sin only once.

 

[LISA_Annette]

Is it a sin if you become aroused when you are trying to learn about something so you keep reading about it even though you are still aroused? Also you have done this often and fallen into grave sin only once.

Must you keep reading (as in for studying a certain novel for English class)? if it is not neccessary for you to read it, then you are doing it for mere curiosity, and it is a sin. It is a* near ocassion of sin for you to read that stuff*, so you have to avoid it to keep yourself from temptation to seriously sin.

hope this helps.

 

[JFonseka]

Yes, and doing things you know are likely to get you to sin, like reading inappropriate material is a sin.

We are told to FLEE TEMPTATION not engage in activities that tempt us.

Arousal in itself is not a sin, obviously if you see a racy advert you may get aroused, this is not a sin. But continuing in that particular activity with the intent to get aroused IS.

Trying to learn is OK, may I ask what you were trying to learn? Perhaps if this thing is so arousing that you get led into grave sin, you shouldn’t be doing it?

 

[onmyknees]

Yes, and doing things you know are likely to get you to sin, like reading inappropriate material is a sin.

We are told to FLEE TEMPTATION not engage in activities that tempt us.

Arousal in itself is not a sin, obviously if you see a racy advert you may get aroused, this is not a sin. But continuing in that particular activity with the intent to get aroused IS.

Trying to learn is OK, may I ask what you were trying to learn? Perhaps if this thing is so arousing that you get led into grave sin, you shouldn’t be doing it?

I think my intent is to learn. But sometimes I don’t know for sure. You see I think I might be addicted to sex. I am married and I also like hearing or reading about it, some other things too. I am really trying to read up on how to stop this problem and this actually makes me aroused. Is this a sin? If it is, what should I do?

 

[LilyM]

I think my intent is to learn. But sometimes I don’t know for sure. You see I think I might be addicted to sex. I am married and I also like hearing or reading about it, some other things too. I am really trying to read up on how to stop this problem and this actually makes me aroused. Is this a sin? If it is, what should I do?

You think you’re addicted to sex? And then decide that reading about it to the point where you’re aroused is a good thing? Of course it isn’t.

You don’t need to fill your head with such trash. Stop immediately, pray, read a book on accounting, go for a walk, do anything to get your mind off the topic.

 

[onmyknees]

You think you’re addicted to sex? And then decide that reading about it to the point where you’re aroused is a good thing? Of course it isn’t.

You don’t need to fill your head with such trash. Stop immediately, pray, read a book on accounting, go for a walk, do anything to get your mind off the topic./QUOTE

Thank you for answering me and the good advice but I want to tell you that I was reading about how to get rid of sex addiction when I became aroused so I really was trying to find a solution. So do you still think that it would be better just to avoid this and keep trying on my own with prayers and other pure activities. You see I’ve been trying for three and a half years now, confessing, frequent reception of the Holy Eucharist (when I’m not in grave sin), and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Also do you think I need to confess this because I didn’t stop when I became aroused?

 

[LilyM]

LilyM;2857853:

You think you’re addicted to sex? And then decide that reading about it to the point where you’re aroused is a good thing? Of course it isn’t.

You don’t need to fill your head with such trash. Stop immediately, pray, read a book on accounting, go for a walk, do anything to get your mind off the topic.

Of course you started reading with the best intentions. Clearly you should have stopped when what you were reading made you become aroused - and you already know it’s not a coincidence and will happen again if you keep reading up about the same topic.

The sort of books you’re talking about would probably be designed for doctors and psychologists who treat sex addicts. They’re fine to read it since it’s their job to know such information and especially since it wouldn’t arouse THEM.

For you to read them - well, it’s like a murderer reading books about murder cases, totally unhealthy. It’s counter-productive (not just useless but harmful) in terms of any sex addiction or other inappropriate sexual behaviour.

AND of course it’s sinful to keep on reading material that makes you aroused. Unless, as another poster pointed out, it’s something you must read for some reason - studies or something. This doesn’t fall into that category. Absolutely you need to confess it and stop reading - get counselling if you want to do something specific about it.

But you probably guessed a lot of this already or you wouldn’t have even thought to ask the question.

 

[onmyknees]

onmyknees;2859613:

Of course you started reading with the best intentions. Clearly you should have stopped when what you were reading made you become aroused - and you already know it’s not a coincidence and will happen again if you keep reading up about the same topic.

The sort of books you’re talking about would probably be designed for doctors and psychologists who treat sex addicts. They’re fine to read it since it’s their job to know such information and especially since it wouldn’t arouse THEM.

For you to read them - well, it’s like a murderer reading books about murder cases, totally unhealthy. It’s counter-productive (not just useless but harmful) in terms of any sex addiction or other inappropriate sexual behaviour.

AND of course it’s sinful to keep on reading material that makes you aroused. Unless, as another poster pointed out, it’s something you must read for some reason - studies or something. This doesn’t fall into that category. Absolutely you need to confess it and stop reading - get counselling if you want to do something specific about it.

But you probably guessed a lot of this already or you wouldn’t have even thought to ask the question.

Thankyou LilyM! You see I also have a doubtful conscience. When I start thinking that I shouldn’t be doing something I have a really hard time. Sometimes I think I might be being scrupulous and worrying about it too much and then I think this could be really bad like mortal sin and I’ll keep trying to figure it out in my mind for days. It’s hard to keep going to my confessor with these awful sins and questions. I AM going to go to a psychologist. I think I drive my friend crazy with these questions too so it was nice I could ask you all on this forum. It means so much to me. This is starting to really wear me down and I’m crying right now. I start to dispair and think that I’ll never get out of this. I came back to the church three and half years ago and didn’t really know I had this problem until I started confessing them and trying not to do these things. Thank you again everyone and I am going to try my hardest to stop reading about this and anything to do with sex. Pray for me and I’ll pray for all of you.

 

[LilyM]

LilyM;2860069:

Thankyou LilyM! You see I also have a doubtful conscience. When I start thinking that I shouldn’t be doing something I have a really hard time. Sometimes I think I might be being scrupulous and worrying about it too much and then I think this could be really bad like mortal sin and I’ll keep trying to figure it out in my mind for days. It’s hard to keep going to my confessor with these awful sins and questions. I AM going to go to a psychologist. I think I drive my friend crazy with these questions too so it was nice I could ask you all on this forum. It means so much to me. This is starting to really wear me down and I’m crying right now. I start to dispair and think that I’ll never get out of this. I came back to the church three and half years ago and didn’t really know I had this problem until I started confessing them and trying not to do these things. Thank you again everyone and I am going to try my hardest to stop reading about this and anything to do with sex. Pray for me and I’ll pray for all of you.

Don’t cry :console: There’s nothing that can’t be overcome with God’s grace and some good practical help.

It will take time. Expect that, and be gentle with yourself - you certainly didn’t develop your habits overnight, so it’s being too harsh on yourself to expect that they’ll disappear overnight.

As for your confessor - that’s what they’re there for, to give us advice when we need it, not just when it’s convenient! If you were physically ill you’d get in touch with your doctor every day, even every hour, if it was necessary. It IS necessary to get in touch with your priest when you have doubts.

This one is probably more one for your psychologist though. Ask him or her if reading the material you do is helpful or harmful in their opinion, and do tell them that it arouses you to read it. Total honesty is important if you’re to get better.