Confession and species of sin

[Windfish]

…we are obliged to confess how many times we committed a mortal sin and any circumstances that affect the moral species of the act. It is the latter that I sometimes have trouble with in my examination conscience. Here is an example:

-Let’s say I entertain a lustful fantasy, but about a family member o). Does the latter affect the species of sin (since incest is also a sin)? Do I have to really confess the specific nature of the lust - or is confessing it in general terms enough?

 

[Ponyguy]

I’m not a theologian or an apologist, so take my reply as that of an amateur; but I’d simply tell the priest that you entertained a lustful fantasy and let him ask for clarifications or anything further.

For Pete’s sakes, it’s confession, not a gossip session! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/ponyguy/No-no.gif

 

[baltobetsy]

If it bothers you enough to ask about it here, you should confess it with the extra detail. All you need to add are the words “about a family member.” Not that hard, and the peace of mind is absolutely worth it.

 

[Windfish]

If it bothers you enough to ask about it here, you should confess it with the extra detail. All you need to add are the words “about a family member.” Not that hard, and the peace of mind is absolutely worth it.

I just want theological precision is all.

 

[Bookcat]

Yes…it seems that one would.

But perhaps if say the person is only treating them “as a woman” and not adverting really to the fact they are related (it is not part of the thoughts)…then it would perhaps not be needed… Ones confessor though could direct one.

 

[Bookcat]

From Jimmy Akin senior Apologist at CA

jimmyakin.org/2007/03/specific_confes.html

 

[baltobetsy]

I just want theological precision is all.

But isn’t the point, rather, to grow in love?

 

[Bookcat]

But isn’t the point, rather, to grow in love?

Which as you know (in your often theological precision) such can very well go together