Did I steal something

[lakotak]

Hi,

I have a problem. I think i stole something, but not really intending to. I know this is probably stupid, but I went to the vending machine at work and put my money in and got two sodas instead of one. This was at the vending machines in the Library. They have a coffee shop, but they don’t take money concerning vending machine. I took the extra soda without really thinking until later that I may have stole it.

Do I need to go to confession? Not a great way to start Lent.

 

[Garyjohn2]

I’d consider it a gift…but I’m not an expert I guess. Stealing requires an intention to take something that doesn’t belong to you I think.

You could give the payment for the extra pop to whoever should have it, but I don’t think it’s a sin.

 

[SugarMagnolia]

When that happens it usually means the previous customer put money in the machine and the soda didn’t come out. Then the next the customer gets that soda as well as his own. If you knew who paid for the soda, then you would be able to give it to him. However, you have no way of knowing who that person is. My advice would be to take the soda so it doesn’t go to waste and put the price of the soda in the donation box at Church as your way of giving back the money.

 

[lakotak]

When that happens it usually means the previous customer put money in the machine and the soda didn’t come out. Then the next the customer gets that soda as well as his own. If you knew who paid for the soda, then you would be able to give it to him. However, you have no way of knowing who that person is. My advice would be to take the soda so it doesn’t go to waste and put the price of the soda in the donation box at Church as your way of giving back the money.

Thanks for the idea of putting the price of the soda in the donation box at Church. It will make me feel better.

 

[promethius]

Gotta side with SugarMagnolia. In this case there is nothing to be done anyway. If it makes you feel better, give the money saved to the church, but don’t fall into scrupelousness…

 

[lakotak]

Gotta side with SugarMagnolia. In this case there is nothing to be done anyway. If it makes you feel better, give the money saved to the church, but don’t fall into scrupelousness…

I normally don’t have scruples, but this made me think for some reason. Could have been the evil one trying to upset me. I think to give the money to the Church will make me feel better just the same.

 

[Holly3278]

You did not commit a mortal sin. Mortal sin requires full consent of the will. You did not have this since you didn’t intend to receive the extra soda. But if it makes you feel better, let the owner of the vending machine know and give them the money for the extra soda.