Do Eastern Catholics believe in Mortal/Venial sin?

[PrayerforMercy]

But they aren’t called venial and mortal, only “serious.” Can no one clarify this for me?

 

[Bookcat]

But they aren’t called venial and mortal, only “serious.” Can no one clarify this for me?

In the Church and Theology:

Mortal sin = Grave sin = Serious sin

( you can also throw in that they = Deadly sin = grievous sin)

They are synonyms for the same sin.

Serious means mortal sin.

Just like in the Roman Code of Canon Law - Grave Sin is used for mortal sin.

They all refer to the same sin.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

In the Church and Theology:

Mortal sin = Grave sin = Serious sin

( you can also throw in that they = Deadly sin = grievous sin)

They are synonyms for the same sin.

Serious means mortal sin.

Just like in the Roman Code of Canon Law - Grave Sin is used for mortal sin.

They all refer to the same sin.

I would agree, except to point out that the distinction is less emphasized in Eastern praxis. More minor (venial) sins repeated constantly and/or without true remorse could constitute a serious separation from God, which is the basic definition of grave matter. The focus of examination of conscience is on the state of one’s relationship with God, not the character or classification of sins themselves.

 

[Bookcat]

I would agree, except to point out that the distinction is less emphasized in Eastern praxis. More minor (venial) sins repeated constantly and/or without true remorse could constitute a serious separation from God, which is the basic definition of grave matter. The focus of examination of conscience is on the state of one’s relationship with God, not the character or classification of sins themselves.

I disagree (with the later part …not the first part )

Such would not be a Catholic understanding (Eastern Catholic Churches cannot have a different category of sin - which such would in practice involve - the Church is quite clear on what is a venial sin and what is a mortal sin).

But yes in “praxis” the continued repeating of a venial sin without any repentance can “lead” to one committing a mortal (serious) sin. And yes in the spiritual life (in praxis) one ought to examine ones conscience to work on repenting even of such venial sin - especially such repeated deliberate venial sins (after mortal sin they do the most harm to the Spiritual life -though their is a essential difference between them an mortal sin).

Venial sin though does not separate on from God. But yes unrepented -repeated deliberate venial sin are a real problem. Such is yes a real problem in ones relationship with God -one that is to be worked on.

 

[ByzCathCantor]

I disagree (with the later part …not the first part )

Such would not be a Catholic understanding (Eastern Catholic Churches cannot have a different category of sin - which such would in practice involve - the Church is quite clear on what is a venial sin and what is a mortal sin).

I was speaking of one’s examination of conscience, preparation for a sacramental confession.

Of course, we hold commonly as Catholics that one cannot worthily receive the Holy Eucharist if one is in a state of grave sin, unabsolved via a true sacramental confession.

 

[Bookcat]

I was speaking of one’s examination of conscience, preparation for a sacramental confession.

Yes it is especially good to examine for “unrepented repeated deliberate venial sins”.

Yes such is very good to examine for and work against. (thus they will no longer be “unrepented” )

Such though are not “serious sins”. Though they can seriously effect ones spiritual life…and even lead to serious sin -that was my point there.

 

[Peter_J]

I saw that Eastern Catholics don’t believe in mortal or venial sin… how? The doctrine of mortal sin and venial sin are dogma of the Catholic Church, that means all Catholics east and west have to believe in it… how come they don’t believe in it? Also, how do they view confession then if they don’t have mortal sin and venial sin? Do they just confess all of their sins? Are they allowed to take communion without confession? Do they believe anyone with any un confessed sin (Mortal and Venial in the west’s eyes) will go to hell??? This doesn’t make any sense to me!?

Hi WID. Although this thread has been around since last summer, I would like to jump back in here because I don’t think the real issue here has been addressed. (Apologies if it turns out that I’m repeating something already said – I don’t want to go back and reread the whole thread.) I don’t think the primary issue is specific, tangible details of ECism … If you listen to a lot of Eastern Catholics, you’re likely to hear a recurring theme/complaint about a “big brother” type attitude among Latin Catholics. Or, more concretely, about LCs lecturing us and trying to “fix” us, and so on. I think that’s what this discussion is really about.

 

[Bookcat]

(Apologies if it turns out that I’m repeating something already said – I don’t want to go back and reread the whole thread.) I don’t think the primary issue is specific, tangible details of ECism … If you listen to a lot of Eastern Catholics, you’re likely to hear a recurring theme/complaint about a “big brother” type attitude among Latin Catholics. Or, more concretely, about LCs lecturing us and trying to “fix” us, and so on. I think that’s what this discussion is really about.

No that is not it. It was a single tangible question. Which has been answered. Of course Eastern Catholics believe in mortal and venial sin.

Yes if some Catholics do not understand other Catholics and the fact the the Catholic Church is made up of some 23 or so Churches - and they try to “correct” what ought not to be corrected - yes that is not a good. Such would not be the correct Catholic approach.

But what is Catholic across all the Churches is simply that (as is the case here).