Definition of "Grave Matter"

[Anthony_V]

In order for a sin to be mortal, it must comply with three conditions:

Full Knowledge
Full Consent
Grave Matter

Here’s something I’ve always wondered:
Is grave matter applicable to the objective matter or to the subjective matter?

For example, lets say someone lies about something trivial. Would the lying be a mortal sin, regardless, as the objective matter is the lying? Or would the sin be venial, as the subjective matter is trivial?

 

[nahbios]

Hi Anthony…

I’ll point you towards this examen for laymen. It’s very thorough. To answer your question, see the Justice section (marked for the month of July).

Also, see here:

It is common theological teaching that certain kinds of acts are of themselves light matter—for example, idle talk, lack of diligence in prayer, and so on. Other kinds of acts are of themselves grave matter—killing the innocent, adultery, lying, theft, and so on. Of the latter, however, some necessarily bring about great harm: In killing the innocent the victim cannot be only somewhat dead, and in adultery the marriage bond cannot be only slightly defiled. Others can sometimes involve slight harm: In stealing, one can take a newspaper without paying for it or one can take somebody’s entire livelihood; in lying, one can make a harmless joke or one can practice deception in a matter of life and death.

However, God commands all of us not to commit any sin, whether mortal or venial; therefore, one should never lie in any case.

These sources might not answer everything, but it’s a start, I guess!

May God bless you!

 

[JonathonofOhio]

Interesting question, and good post from nahbios. I’m going to stick around to see if anyone else has more to add to this.

 

[Bookcat]

In order for a sin to be mortal, it must comply with three conditions:

Full Knowledge
Full Consent
Grave Matter

Here’s something I’ve always wondered:
Is grave matter applicable to the objective matter or to the subjective matter?

For example, lets say someone lies about something trivial. Would the lying be a mortal sin, regardless, as the objective matter is the lying? Or would the sin be venial, as the subjective matter is trivial?

The grave matter usually is something objectively grave. Though it is possible for subjectivity to come into play.

As to your example: lying about something trivial is usually going to be a venial sin (venial matter). An example of lying that is grave matter would be lying in court under oath.

Lying admits of parvity of matter (that is smallness of Matter) where as murder does not…

 

[smichhertz]

Hi Anthony V!

Great question! Acts are objectively grave or not. However, certain subjective things can reduce or increase the gravity of the act. For instance: circumstances vs culpability.

Cirumstances: big difference between hitting someone who is an adult vs a small child. So hitting a child would increase the gravity of the act.

Culpability: Suppose I kill someone by accident? Like I was distracted for a second in my car and ran someone over? Ordinarily, a very grave act as I have killed a person. But since I did so with no intention and in such a small distraction, that significantly decreases the gravity of the act.

Hopefully that helps!