C
carguy
Guest
Is it a sin that I started yelling and cursing at the guy that almost slammed into the side of my car as he darted out of a lot? I felt bad about the yell as soon I realized I was doing it.
- Status
J
Jaguar
Guest
That was a frightened reaction. You stopped when you realized what you were doing. No sin IMO.
A
ahs
Guest
Yeah, probably not a sin…but it does sound like there was a bit of suppressed emotion or stress from something else that spilled out there.
K
Kay_Cee
Guest
Yelling is one thing. Cursing is another. Did you use profanity or take God’s name in vain? If you did, you need to take it to Confession.
J
Jaguar
Guest
Here we go, again! — It was a sudden off-the-cuff reaction, to a fearful moment. It doesn’t matter what was said, because it doesn’t fall in line with the Church’s definition of a mortal sin, does it?
In regards to: It might be a problem using that language. Those “bad words”, perhaps in someone’s past vocabulary, may show themselves in time of fear, or stress.
The OP did not sin. He stopped when he realized what he was doing!
K
Kay_Cee
Guest
I never said it was a mortal sin. However, I don’t remember any little asterick at the end of the prohibition of taking the Lord’s name in vain that says it’s okay if done in the heat of the moment. Or are you telling me it’s okay to curse and use profanity under certain circumstances?
Any sin, regardless of how “little”, is a sin against an almighty and eternal God Whom we should love with our whole hearts and souls. My suggestion to take it to confession is so the OP can receive from our merciful God the grace not to have a repeat incident. Who knows–the next time children might witness it, and what kind of example would that be?
J
Jaguar
Guest
First of all, there is no mention by the OP that he used God’s name in vain … is there? Even if he did, my opinion does not change.
What I am telling you, is that one cannot sin w/o knowing or realizing what they are doing! Blurting-out cuss words, in a sudden & abruptly, spontaneous way … out of fear, as an instant reaction to a possible life endangering situation is not a sin. It is unintentional. Sin is intentional. The " ***** " you mention is not present, next to the commandment, you are correct, however there is an asterisk or two, next to the Church’s definition of “sin.” That said, if the OP does have trouble in discerning whether or not his actions were intentional or unintentional, he should ask a priest.
Your mention that if children are present next time, would be unfortunate … yes, but much more unfortunate do to the horrifying event of nearly being involved in a possibly tragic auto accident, rather than because of the use of profanity! The more important lesson here for children, would be the importance of driving a car safely, instead of dangerously, rather than not cussing, when your life is endangered.
L
LittleSoldier
Guest
Hence, the poster’s question to the OP in post #4 (which has not been answered yet). The poster said that “Yelling is one thing. Cursing is another. Did you use profanity or take God’s name in vain? If you did, you need to take it to Confession.”
Thank you for stating that it is your opinion. What is important is Church teaching - what the Magisterium says. Do you agree?
Which is…?
Ideally children should learn about car safety and that it is wrong to take the Lord’s name in vain or yell at another person. In any case a priest is the one who should be consulted and when in doubt going to Confession is a very good idea. Plus, one who confesses receives grace from God when completing the Sacrament.
A few minutes ago I read a complaint about the type of font I use in my posts. I use this font because of poor vision. My first response was an admittedly mild oath. I did not take the name of the Lord in vain. But I called another human being a name and although I didn’t plan on doing it I did it. And I meant it. Did I sin? To be honest, I’m not sure. So I will go to Confession, receive absolution if I did sin and next time maybe I won’t react in anger. The OP does not know if he sinned, either. Wouldn’t it be best to go to Confession and ask a priest? The Sacrament of Reconciliation is more than just confessing mortal sins.
K
Kay_Cee
Guest
Perhaps you have not considered that what comes out of our mouths in our unguarded moments says much more about the disposition of our hearts than what comes out in a guarded moment when we have had time to reflect. If cursing is an automatic reflex, what does that say about our hearts? Shouldn’t our hearts belong totally to God? Shouldn’t our spontaeous reaction to such a situation be pleading with God for help, not cursing?
I stand by my statement that the OP should take it to the confessional where he can receive counseling by a priest. Obviously the incident is bothering him or he wouldn’t have gone to the trouble of beginning a thread about it. If the priest–whom I assume is much more knowledgable about this than you or I–tells him it was a sin, he will have the opportunity to confess it right then and there. Either way, it certainly can’t hurt to take it to confession, and it might do him a world of good.
J
Jaguar
Guest
I mentioned in my last post, “if the OP does have trouble in discerning whether or not his actions were intentional or unintentional, he should ask a priest.” And no doubt, confession does a world of good. That, however is his call.
Since we have only heard from him once, we can only go by the few words he had written. He writes,“I felt bad about the yell as soon I realized I was doing it.” That means it was unintentional. I also mentioned something very similar to what you mentioned. “Those “bad words”, perhaps in someone’s past vocabulary, may show themselves in time of fear, or stress.” Perhaps we are both correct, but that does not mean that he had sinned on that occasion. While he cursed, he obviously, (by what he wrote), did not have full knowledge, nor did he say it deliberately &/or with complete consent.
By all accounts this is most likely a young man. This needs to be taken into consideration. To have him believe he has committed a (serious) sin worthy of confession, during a frightening, and near tragic situation, could be sinful in itself.
Of course, if he is leaving out something, that wasn’t written, then that is a different story and situation, all together. However, you nor I know this to be the case.
Since we have only heard from him once, we can only go by the few words he had written. He writes,“I felt bad about the yell as soon I realized I was doing it.” That means it was unintentional. I also mentioned something very similar to what you mentioned. “Those “bad words”, perhaps in someone’s past vocabulary, may show themselves in time of fear, or stress.” Perhaps we are both correct, but that does not mean that he had sinned on that occasion. While he cursed, he obviously, (by what he wrote), did not have full knowledge, nor did he say it deliberately &/or with complete consent.
By all accounts this is most likely a young man. This needs to be taken into consideration. To have him believe he has committed a (serious) sin worthy of confession, during a frightening, and near tragic situation, could be sinful in itself.
Of course, if he is leaving out something, that wasn’t written, then that is a different story and situation, all together. However, you nor I know this to be the case.
K
Kay_Cee
Guest
I am aware of the criteria for mortal sin, but I never said a mortal sin was committed here.
Please quote where I said a mortal sin was committed. I never said that, and I told you in an earlier post that I never said that. Frankly, I’m shocked that a Catholic would call sinful someone counseling a person to go to confession where he can receive many graces to help keep him from sinning. I did not judge the OP. Because the incident is bothering him, I told him to take it to confession where he can get help and elucidation from the priest, and what happens? I get told my actions could be sinful.
***All ***sin, mortal or venial, is “worthy of confession.” While it’s true that only mortal sin has to be confessed in the sacrament of Penance, it does us good to confess venial sins as well.
Since, as you admit, we do not know the whole story (for example, we do not know exactly what was said, although he did mention it was cursing), that is all the more reason why the OP should take it to his priest who can help determine if any culpability exists. I’m surprised that even though you admit you do not know the whole story, you have stated in post 5 that the OP did not sin. My friend, if he did, and you are telling him he didn’t, what then?
You seem to be laboring under the notion that confession is for mortal sin only. It is not. Confession does more than take away sins: it gives us graces to help keep us from sinning. In addition, it is an opportunity for the priest to counsel us, which would help the OP avoid such incidents in the future.
Besides that, Christ does not call us to merely avoid sin. He calls us to be saints. He calls us to perfection (see Matthew 5:48). Please also look at Mark 7:14-23.
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Nate13
Guest
It could possibly be a venial sin. In my opinion take any sin that could be considered a grave sin to confession, whether you believe its a venial sin or not.
K
Kay_Cee
Guest
Yes, exactly! Unless we know for certain the heart and mind of the OP, we are in no position to say how serious the matter is.
Furthermore, the OP did not ask if he had sinned seriously. He asked if he had sinned at all. The fact that he asked the question shows his conscience is bothering him. He should certainly take this to confession if for no other reason than his own peace of mind. But in confession he would get so much more than that! He would get graces to help dispose his heart and mind toward God. Why would anybody want to turn down the opportunity to get all that?
L
LittleSoldier
Guest
I think that many Catholics don’t understand that the Sacrament of Reconciliation is a gift from God and although (technically) we only have to confess mortal sins, it’s so much more than that! It helps us become closer to God. That old expression “Confession is good for the soul” is true! Confessing to a priest and completing the penance is so sacred that it’s a Sacrament.
I didn’t understand for a long time and I know I still don’t understand everything about the Sacrament of Reconciliation. But I do know that I feel much better when I have completed the acts necessary for the Sacrament. I feel at peace with myself. I feel stronger in my faith and in my ability to repudiate sin.
I won’t make any attempt to judge the OP as that is not my place. But I hope that he does go to Confession because there is a reason he is suffering and I believe that Confession will help him. If he did sin and makes a good Confession he will receive absolution. If he didn’t sin he will receive grace from God to help him not sin and avoid the near occasions of sin. In either case I would bet that he would feel a lot better about himself.
Also, it should be a priest who can help him determine if he committed a sin. None of us can see into his soul.
J
Jaguar
Guest
Scrupulosity, is a definite problem with many Catholics and IMO, far too many on this site. I felt that you were putting something in the young OP’s head that might cause him to perhaps lean toward becoming scrupulous. That was my real concern here. I did not mean to offend anyone.
I have 2 questions: 1) Can a sin be committed by accident, or unintentionally? 2) When in doubt, do we run to the confessional ASAP?
You see my problem here, is that so many of us feel that we should be running to the confessional for every thing we do that might cause us to second guess any action, thought, word or reaction, that might cause us to wonder.
I also agree that far too many Catholics do not use this Sacrament enough. I have nothing against Reconciliation. I go when I need to, but I feel that too many of us go unnecessarily, due to excess guilt. I believe more of us need to realize that God really does know our heart. He is the master of mercy, and he knows if we truly love Him. We don’t have to prove it by feeling that everything we do might be hurting Him. He knows that those who truly love him, do not intentionally want to hurt him.
The OP’s post, if described accurately (by him), was not a sin. IMO (as stated in my 1st post), Confession is not needed, for his recent action. I am assuming of course, that he does not need Confession for any other serious reasons.
I’ll leave you with this link, that I came across while researching on how I could further explain my opinion. I was ill over the wkend, and the brain wasn’t functioning at it’s usual 25%.
Please read this article, it explains what I am trying to get across, much better than me:
mission.liguori.org/newsletters/scrupulosity.htm
I have 2 questions: 1) Can a sin be committed by accident, or unintentionally? 2) When in doubt, do we run to the confessional ASAP?
You see my problem here, is that so many of us feel that we should be running to the confessional for every thing we do that might cause us to second guess any action, thought, word or reaction, that might cause us to wonder.
I also agree that far too many Catholics do not use this Sacrament enough. I have nothing against Reconciliation. I go when I need to, but I feel that too many of us go unnecessarily, due to excess guilt. I believe more of us need to realize that God really does know our heart. He is the master of mercy, and he knows if we truly love Him. We don’t have to prove it by feeling that everything we do might be hurting Him. He knows that those who truly love him, do not intentionally want to hurt him.
The OP’s post, if described accurately (by him), was not a sin. IMO (as stated in my 1st post), Confession is not needed, for his recent action. I am assuming of course, that he does not need Confession for any other serious reasons.
I’ll leave you with this link, that I came across while researching on how I could further explain my opinion. I was ill over the wkend, and the brain wasn’t functioning at it’s usual 25%.
Please read this article, it explains what I am trying to get across, much better than me:
mission.liguori.org/newsletters/scrupulosity.htm
B
BingoBoy
Guest
yeah probably
K
Kay_Cee
Guest
Well, I’m lucky if my brain functions at 10%, so if your average is 25%, you’re doing quite well!Scrupulosity, is a definite problem with many Catholics and IMO, far too many on this site. I felt that you were putting something in the young OP’s head that might cause him to perhaps lean toward becoming scrupulous. That was my real concern here. I did not mean to offend anyone.
I have 2 questions: 1) Can a sin be committed by accident, or unintentionally? 2) When in doubt, do we run to the confessional ASAP?
You see my problem here, is that so many of us feel that we should be running to the confessional for every thing we do that might cause us to second guess any action, thought, word or reaction, that might cause us to wonder.
I also agree that far too many Catholics do not use this Sacrament enough. I have nothing against Reconciliation. I go when I need to, but I feel that too many of us go unnecessarily, due to excess guilt. I believe more of us need to realize that God really does know our heart. He is the master of mercy, and he knows if we truly love Him. We don’t have to prove it by feeling that everything we do might be hurting Him. He knows that those who truly love him, do not intentionally want to hurt him.
The OP’s post, if described accurately (by him), was not a sin. IMO (as stated in my 1st post), Confession is not needed, for his recent action. I am assuming of course, that he does not need Confession for any other serious reasons.
I’ll leave you with this link, that I came across while researching on how I could further explain my opinion. I was ill over the wkend, and the brain wasn’t functioning at it’s usual 25%.
Please read this article, it explains what I am trying to get across, much better than me:
mission.liguori.org/newsletters/scrupulosity.htm
I understand your concern about being scrupulous; however, anything that can cause scandal (such as the propensity to curse in front of potential witnesses like children or people who know you are Christian) should be taken to the confessional. We don’t know exactly what was said, and therefore we don’t know if God’s name was used in the cursing. Either way, it speaks about the disposition of one’s heart if the automatic response to a situation is cursing. Can you imagine such words coming out the the mouth of a saint, even under the most dire circumstances?
This isn’t just about what needs to be confessed. It’s about being counseled. We are all called to sainthood, to holiness. We are to be holy in all situations, not just some. There’s nothing holy about cursing. If one’s first reaction is cursing, there’s something about the disposition of one’s heart that needs help, and that can be addressed one-on-one with a priest and most especially in the confessional where one can receive graces to help keep from having a repeat performance.
Of course you want what’s best for the OP. But I’m not talking about scrupulosity. I’m talking about the disposition of our hearts. When God looks at our hearts, shouldn’t they be pure? The Bible tells us that nothing unclean or impure will enter heaven (see Rev. 21:27), so having a pure heart is something we all need to work on–at least I know I need to.
BTW, I never said the OP sinned. I also never said he didn’t. I said he should take it to the confessional where that can be determined by a priest. He didn’t give us much detail, and one would hope that under the confessional seal he would feel free to explain everything better. You and I are not in the position to make that determination for him. But if the priest determines he did sin, then he would already be there to confess it and anything else as well. In addition, not only would he receive grace, but he would have peace of mind afterward–and it seemed to me that in his post what he was seeking the most was peace of mind.
L
LittleSoldier
Guest
Is the OP still around? I’d like to hear his thoughts on what has been discussed.
Jaguar, I’m sorry you were ill. I hope you’re feeling better.
I understand what you’re saying about scrupulosity. I’m sure there are people who get so caught-up in that trap that they spend all their time doing what they think is examining their consciences, feeling guilty, and going to Confession all the time. They’re afraid to do anything, to think anything. They end up sort of huddled in a corner, ignoring God’s world.
I understand this because I am currently trying to not do that exact thing.
It’s also a mistake to obsess over one sin that has already been confessed correctly. I confessed the same sin so many times that my priest finally told me to just STOP. It was a specific sin (not like lying or missing Mass without a good reason). If I truly believed that I had been absolved of this sin why did I keep confessing it? I think it was because I couldn’t forgive myself and if I can’t forgive myself while God has forgiven me (which I did believe) I am placing myself above God - not a good thing to do.
I didn’t understand the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
This thread is about helping someone who is hurting and I think the best way for him to feel better is to confess to a priest (who can tell him if he committed a sin).
We can give opinions but none of us can really know if he committed a sin or if he didn’t commit a sin. His question is beyond the scope of this forum. The OP needs an expert - a priest. I suppose he could just ask a priest if he committed a sin but as another poster has stated, if he did commit a sin he would then be right where he needs to be to receive absolution. It’s part of a priest’s calling to counsel people who are confused and/or hurting. They’re physicians of the soul.
I know you meant no offense. I mean none, either. We’re all trying to help someone and that is good.
Jaguar, I’m sorry you were ill. I hope you’re feeling better.
I understand what you’re saying about scrupulosity. I’m sure there are people who get so caught-up in that trap that they spend all their time doing what they think is examining their consciences, feeling guilty, and going to Confession all the time. They’re afraid to do anything, to think anything. They end up sort of huddled in a corner, ignoring God’s world.
I understand this because I am currently trying to not do that exact thing.
It’s also a mistake to obsess over one sin that has already been confessed correctly. I confessed the same sin so many times that my priest finally told me to just STOP. It was a specific sin (not like lying or missing Mass without a good reason). If I truly believed that I had been absolved of this sin why did I keep confessing it? I think it was because I couldn’t forgive myself and if I can’t forgive myself while God has forgiven me (which I did believe) I am placing myself above God - not a good thing to do.
I didn’t understand the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
This thread is about helping someone who is hurting and I think the best way for him to feel better is to confess to a priest (who can tell him if he committed a sin).
We can give opinions but none of us can really know if he committed a sin or if he didn’t commit a sin. His question is beyond the scope of this forum. The OP needs an expert - a priest. I suppose he could just ask a priest if he committed a sin but as another poster has stated, if he did commit a sin he would then be right where he needs to be to receive absolution. It’s part of a priest’s calling to counsel people who are confused and/or hurting. They’re physicians of the soul.
I know you meant no offense. I mean none, either. We’re all trying to help someone and that is good.
C
carguy
Guest
Ok I have been watching the thread. Yea confession can’t ever hurt, but it is true on this site we do have people that seem to act like EVERYTHING is a sin. I mean really I have seen threads about is ice cream a sin these people make it seem like if you are not s saint hell awaits you. Now as a life long Roman Catholic I have never heard half of this in the masses and classes I have had from my church. Now as I am trying to become a better catholic I am trying to break so old bad habits. There my have been an omg what is this guy doing in there I don’t really remember now. As I am a college student I don’t really have the best influence around me, not a cop out just saying it is harder. So I would say I am not happy about what I did and am trying to make the effort to be in line with the church’s teachings.
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Nate13
Guest
The ice cream thread was really just a veiled attempt at asking why masturbation was wrong
Things are not what they at first appear always.- Status