what I think is irrelevant. What the Church teaches is that addiction, compulsion under a mental condition such as OCD or something similar may limit the culpability of the individual who commits a certain sin, but it remains objectively gravely sinful (mortal). The reason is that to be subjectively guilty of an offense that is objectively sinful, all 3 conditions must be met: grave matter, full knowledge and full free will consent. The latter two, especially the last, may be lacking in all or part in cases. That does not mean the action is no longer gravely sinful, it means the guilt of the individual may be lessened or altogether absent. These are matters for a priest to determine in confession. Obviously someone burdened with addiction has to obligation to do all in his power to combat that condition, and cannot wilfully go throug life using it as an excuse to behave any way he wishes.I have heard that if a person has an actual medical addiction (alcoholism:drunkenness) to a particular sin that is normally considered grave, than it might not be considered grave. I have heard priests give contrary answers to this. What do you guys think?
Alcoholism is grave. Anything we know is a grave sin is always a grave sin. Alcoholism can be overcome. A Mortal Sin that becomes a vice is merely more mortal sins one on top of the others. But here is the good news. GOD will forgive every single one with one good confession. So do not try to make excuses for sin - turn instead to GOD Who does not want you to be an alcoholic. Ask him to heal you and to give you the strength to overcome that vice.As a convert, I have often struggled with the differences between grave and venial sin. I have read what the latest Catechism says and it really didn’t help. I have heard that if a person has an actual medical addiction (alcoholism:drunkenness) to a particular sin that is normally considered grave, than it might not be considered grave. I have heard priests give contrary answers to this. What do you guys think?
First , No one is tempted beyond their strength and then second in order for a Confession to be a good confession - all the elements must be present.Thanks for the responses. I have made use of the confessional in the past for this sin, but switched confessors when the original one started to act a little irritated that I kept confessing the same sin. The feeling of guilt is certainly there, but it is as though I have no control over myself.
Thanks again.
alcoholism is certainly grave but it is not a sin, it is a disease. Many behaviors an alcoholic engages in due to this disorder are objectively sinful, but the disease itself is not a sin. His culpability for those sinful actions may (not definitely always, but may) be lessened due to his disordered inclination, but the inclination itself is not a sin, although it is certainly a burden. Like all such burdens it can, through grace and abandonment to Divine Providence, become the means of working out one’s salvation.Alcoholism is grave. Pax
Actually - you cannot paint sinful behavior with a broad brush.alcoholism is certainly grave but it is not a sin, it is a disease. Many behaviors an alcoholic engages in due to this disorder are objectively sinful, but the disease itself is not a sin. His culpability for those sinful actions may (not definitely always, but may) be lessened due to his disordered inclination, but the inclination itself is not a sin, although it is certainly a burden. Like all such burdens it can, through grace and abandonment to Divine Providence, become the means of working out one’s salvation.
in addition :Actually - you cannot paint sinful behavior with a broad brush.
catholic-pages.com/penance/examine.asp
OTHER SINS
Have I knowingly caused others to sin?
Have I cooperated in the sins of others?
Have I sinned by gluttony?
Have I become intoxicated?
Have I used narcotics?
Have I been motivated by avarice?
Have I indulged in boasting or vainglory?
Have I received Holy Communion or another sacrament in the state of mortal sin?
Is there any other sin I need to confess?