Do we sin by perception or by our actions?

  • Thread starter Thread starter charliegathu
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
C

charliegathu

Guest
A friend of mine believes that we can only sin by our perception. To give an example; if I’m angry with someone and wish them harm then I have sinned (You shall not kill). This I tend to agree with. What my friend doesn’t agree to as sinful is having the same person acting out that anger and harming the other individual. I tend to think at the very least adds to the gravity of the first sin if not being a similar but distinct sin in and of itself. Please assist.
 
Hi,

To sin mortally, the action must be objectively sinful, the person must know that it is sinful AND the person must freely choose to commit the act. Just considering the possibility of harming another person is not a sin, but only a tempatation–until the person wills to harm the person. Then it is a sin. When one actually harms the person, he is carrying out what he has already willed. It is the same sin. Morality is determined by intention and will.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top