Amnesia

[BrooklynBoy200]

If a Catholic were to get in an accident or something and they lost their memory, what would happen spiritually? If after they lost their memory they became a really bad sinning satanist or something, would that new life cause them to go to hell? Or would that just not meet the three requirements for mortal sin?

 

[PhilotheaZ]

Losing one’s memory should not cause someone to become a “bad sinning satanist.” God created us with His law written on our hearts, with the ability to distinguish right from wrong. Even those who don’t know God still know deep down that certain actions are sinful.

Now, if it is a question of not practicing the disciplines of the Catholic faith (Mass attendance, etc.), and if the person really had no recollection of being Catholic or what that means, they would probably not be responsible for that omission. Mortal sin requires knowledge that something is sinful, and the free choice to do it anyway.

 

[Leopard]

The question seems to be based on a misunderstanding of amnesia formed more by Hollywood than on actual psychology or the physiology of the brain.

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

God won’t let any of his children suffer such a strange twist of events. Remember he’s omnipotent. He has made many promises to his children and must keep his word.

 

[catechumen08]

If a Catholic were to get in an accident or something and they lost their memory, what would happen spiritually? If after they lost their memory they became a really bad sinning satanist or something, would that new life cause them to go to hell? Or would that just not meet the three requirements for mortal sin?

My take is that having amnesia does not take away our free will. Someone losing his/her memory is not the cause for committing sinful acts.

 

[puzzleannie]

don’t lie awake at night dreaming up impossible situations. spend that time praying and reflecting on your own spiritual condition.

if someone is mentally ill they cannot give full free will consent to an act that is objectively sinful. if someone forgets what they have learned about the nature of sin and no longer realize what they are doing is wrong, they are not subjectively guilty of sin. If this does not describe you, don’t sweat it.

you might also want to do a bit of research on the medical condition of amnesia, which you do not yet fully understand.

 

[BrooklynBoy200]

Yeah i know what amnesia is i just couldn’t think of another word to describe it. I was thinking along the lines of the move the majestic or something like that where somebody lost their memory and became a completley different person.

 

[kage_ar]

The kind of amnesia you describe is rife among the inhabitants of Soap Operas. Perhaps there is a special dispensation for the folks at General Hospital

 

[Mintaka]

It is possible to sustain a head injury or other illness that changes one’s temperament. But in that case, God would take into account how much of your behavior was a neural problem and how much was you.

I think it was CS Lewis who said that, at the Last Judgment, we’d find out how much was us and how much was bad digestion.