I am looking for an authoritative (e.g. Vatican-approved) and up to date explanation of the following. What I really need is a link to an authoritative book or article about this that the Holy Father himself would sign off on. I don’t mean the Bible, or the Church Fathers, or past Councils, I mean a fairly recent document that spells out this issue in great detail.
I already have links to the catechism and code of canon law, so I am looking for more information than that. I guess the ideal source might be some official, very detailed guide on how to make confession, perhaps for use by confessors.
Here is my question.
We are taught that one must confess mortal sins in kind and number. But what exactly is a ‘kind.’ How detailed is it? Since it is so important, there surely must be an authoritative definition of this term ‘kind’ somewhere. But where?
I know that we must confess violations of the ten commandments. Then under each commandment there are various categories. For example, suppose someone has violated the eighth commandment by telling a lie. I can think of many different ways people lie. What would be the ‘kinds’ of telling a lie? Or would someone just say “kind of sin: violation of 8th commandment by telling a lie, number of times: 10?”
Also I remember reading something about adding details that affect the sin, maybe in regards to gravity of the sin, etc. I don’t have the reference in front of me. This may be a silly part of my question, but how about some examples?
I think it would be one of the most important blessings to Catholics ever, if we could have a complete list of every ‘kind’ of mortal sin we need to confess. Then we would know how to examine our conscience thoroughly and also how to avoid the extremes of too little or too much detail. Such a list would not only be immensely helpful in confession but also in avoiding sin.
I am not talking about venial sins, only grave sins which can be mortal if done under the conditions for mortal sin.
Please, I know people like to give their opinions, but I am not looking for anyone’s opinion. I need an authoritative answer to this question.
