Can those under the age of discretion commit actual sin?

[thistle]

1. isnt canon law subject to change?
2. But many seven year olds ARE able to fulfill all the requirements for mortal sin.…and MANY adults are not. How does the church answer that?

I do not believe that.

 

[ialsop]

I do not believe that.

What I mean is that many times I, as a 7 year old, was aware a grave sin was actually a grave sin, and i willingly did it! So, mortal.

 

[Yago]

Canon Law:

§2 A minor who has not completed the seventh year of age is called an infant and is considered incapable of personal responsibility; on completion of the seventh year, however, the minor is presumed to have the use of reason.

personal responsibility, not knowledge or consent.

 

[Shin]

The age of reason is defined as 7 for purposes of setting a general standard of canon law, it’s not a statement that no child reaches the age of reason sooner than 7, and thus can commit sin.

Exceptions can be made for early Confession and Communion for precocious children.

Pope St. Gregory the Great notes a case of a five year old who committed a mortal sin and went to Hell, giving a warning to parents to raise their children right.

And Ven. Anne de Guigne made her first Communion due to passing a special examination at the age of 5.

 

[Yago]

The age of reason is defined as 7 for purposes of setting a general standard of canon law, it’s not a statement that no child reaches the age of reason sooner than 7, and thus can commit sin.

Exceptions can be made for early Confession and Communion for precocious children.

Pope St. Gregory the Great notes a case of a** five year old who committed a mortal sin** and went to Hell, giving a warning to parents to raise their children right.

And Ven. Anne de Guigne made her first Communion due to passing a special examination at the age of 5.