Impure desires

[PopePiusXIISupp]

I got tempted to watch porn, so I was somewhat playing with temptation, I had the urge (I don’t know if I could call it desire) to watch it, but I told myself why I couldn’t (the consequences of it). I have also read about the differences between impure thoughts and impure desires, and I would say I don’t fit the category for mortal sin since I didn’t know the difference while at the same time my conscience is say that I did commit a mortal because the Catechism says

1790 "A human being must always obey the certain judgment of his conscience. If he were deliberately to act against it, he would condemn himself.
1791 "This ignorance can often be imputed to personal responsibility. This is the case when a man "takes little trouble to find out what is true and good, or when conscience is by degrees almost blinded through the habit of committing sin.“59 In such cases, the person is culpable for the evil he commits.”

I am confused. Should I listen to my conscience on this or should I tell myself that at the time since I resisted the temptation slowly that I have only committed a venial sin. Also would this count as me doubting that I actually sinned because if it is then I don’t want to add on a sin that I am unsure about to my next confession.

 

[edward_george]

Temptations are not sins. Feelings are not sins. Desires are not sins. These can be disordered and could lead to sin if acted upon, but that is key. Sins are actions.

That said, given this post and others, you seem to be scrupulous and should be seeking the counsel of a regular confessor or spiritual director, and not the multitude of opinions you’ll get on an internet forum, which will only feed your confusion.

-Fr ACEGC

 

[pianistclare]

I got tempted to watch porn, so I was somewhat playing with temptation, I had the urge (I don’t know if I could call it desire) to watch it, but I told myself why I couldn’t (the consequences of it). I have also read about the differences between impure thoughts and impure desires, and I would say I don’t fit the category for mortal sin since I didn’t know the difference while at the same time my conscience is say that I did commit a mortal because the Catechism says

1790 "A human being must always obey the certain judgment of his conscience. If he were deliberately to act against it, he would condemn himself.
1791 "This ignorance can often be imputed to personal responsibility. This is the case when a man "takes little trouble to find out what is true and good, or when conscience is by degrees almost blinded through the habit of committing sin.“59 In such cases, the person is culpable for the evil he commits.”

I am confused. Should I listen to my conscience on this or should I tell myself that at the time since I resisted the temptation slowly that I have only committed a venial sin. Also would this count as me doubting that I actually sinned because if it is then I don’t want to add on a sin that I am unsure about to my next confession.

It’s much more beneficial to you to indeed mention it, as then Father can counsel you about this subject, and the subject of culpability in general. That’s what they do, they help you, they speak to you, not absolve alone. Talking about it addresses the problem directly.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

You resisted temptation so you didn’t commit sin, but were victorious.

Also, don’t confuse sexual desire with lust, they’re not the same.

Sexual desire is part of our biology.

Lust is the disordered desire to commit a sexual act and will set up the situation to make it happen if you can.

Stay away from porn sites.

I remind myself just who runs these things and that many of the participants are not fully acting out of their own free will. Some are trapped by various circumstances, while others are trapped into their own delusion because of their state in life. Either way, the producers will sell their own children to satisfy their greed.

In all, pray and ask for forgiveness when you fail and for the grace to resist temptation.

God Bless
Jim

 

[LiamQ]

The next time you’re speaking to your Pastor or Confessor, please ask him whether or not we are obligated to confess doubtful mortal sins.