I am confused of my sinful state! Please Help!

[strivingforsainthood]

So, usually I am pretty aware of what sins I have committed, but lately I feel disoriented spiritually.

I already know myself to be very self-critical and I may have condemned myself for things that might not even be an issue.

However, there are certain shows I enjoy watching. Like Bates Motel, The Originsls, etc. And sadly these shows and mostly all the other popular series have very impure scenes.

When one of these scenes pops up, I obviously am not predicting it, if it’s a new episode and I see and hear everything for like a second. Just enough for it to stain my mind.
I then turn away and ask God to help me not indulge in such a scene. I then skip past it.

The dilemma here is that I feel sooo guilty afterwards, because, though I do not sit and replay over and over what I saw, it still pops up and I feel like Ive burdened myself.

I also feel guilty just for the fact that I would watch a show that I know has lustful scenes.

My question is if it’s a sin to watch these popular TV shows when you know that these scene exist? And if so, is it Mortal?

 

[LawyersGunsAndMoney]

You’re way overthinking this. That you use phrases like “stain my mind” makes me think you
have some OCD/scrupulous tendencies. Strongly suggest you discuss the possibility of scruples with a priest.

 

[TTLE127]

Don’t ask this online, speak to a priest instead.

 

[CRV]

Hi strivingforsainthood,

When one of these scenes pops up, I obviously am not predicting it, if it’s a new episode and I see and hear everything for like a second. Just enough for it to stain my mind.
I then turn away and ask God to help me not indulge in such a scene. I then skip past it.

this indicates to me a lack of consent to watching the scene. When you realised it was occuring or had started one of those scenes you turned to God, looked away &/or skip past it - that doesn’t say consent to me.

Is it possible the Holy Spirit or your Guardian Angel is trying to indicate to you that you shouldn’t be watching it, as you are fully aware these types of scenes do occur. Or perhaps your own conscience is troubling you because you know you shouldn’t watch it?

I also feel guilty just for the fact that I would watch a show that I know has lustful scenes.

So why watch it? Why not watch something else instead. It is your choice after all. Considering it is Lent, perhaps now is a good time to review your viewing habits, and remove those that are morally wrong.

Continuing to watch this show, knowing what will happen - why put yourself through that, and why risk placing yourself in a situation where you are tempted to sin? Find something else to watch. Or try some spiritual reading for the length of time that show is on. It’d be easier and a whole lot simpler just to refrain from watching altogether and choosing something else. The choice is yours.

I don’t know if you are scrupulous or not, but we all have to choose what we fill our minds with either through shows or reading material. This has flow on effects on how we think, view ourselves and others - either for good or bad.

As to your last two questions, you really are better off speaking to your priest about this as he is the best person to guide you. He will be able to help you understand this issue.