Anger

[WindyFire12]

When does anger cross the line and become a mortal sin? For instance, an angry argument with your friend, spouse, boyfriend/girlfriend that was not premeditated. A disagreement arose and escalated from a calm conversation into one in which each others voices were raised both were visibly mad. Would that be considered mortal?

 

[Madia]

Maybe #2302-2303 of the Catechism will help you:

scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s2c2a5.htm#I

 

[Mt19_26]

A qoute from the catechism:

“If anger reaches the point of a deliberate desire to kill or seriously wound a neighbor, it is gravely against charity; it is a mortal sin.”

Based on that I would say an argument/conflict in which the involved parties are very angry at each other would not be a mortal sin. However, I would still confess it the next time you go to reconciliation.

One thing to note. The “seriously wound” statement may not be limited to the physical aspect. I think you can seriously and intentionally wound someone mentally. Would that constitute a mortal sin?

 

[Madia]

I think you can seriously and intentionally wound someone mentally. Would that constitute a mortal sin?

Think of the sorrow a parent feels when their child dies. If you wished someone that sorrow don’t you think that would be grave matter?

 

[WindyFire12]

Madia:

Think of the sorrow a parent feels when their child dies. If you wished someone that sorrow don’t you think that would be grave matter?

Yes, I believe that would be grave matter.

What I meant by wounding them mentally is through shear anger director towards them in which they see and hear the anger.

 

[catsrus]

My DH suffers from SERIOUS anger. Rage is a better word. Last Sunday, while in downtown SF, he saw that the I80 East ramp was closed and went ballistic - while driveing! Scared me to death!
After 16 years of dealing with this, I just say…nothing. At the time. The rage would only escalate.
After 2 days, when he was calm and feeling sheepish, I discussed his behavior with him. He apologized so I had to forgive him.
I talked to my priest about this and he told me (after I detailed the story) that that type of rage is not only a sin, it is dangerous to DH’s health and mine since it stresses me so badly.