Impurity Addiction and the 3 conditions nedded for a sin 2 B mortal

[Shameless]

I am addicted to masturbation (I think), I have been trying to seriously stop for over a year now. I am NOT seeing a doctor for this. My wife knows about this, I DO go to confession weekly. I will have several questions here. Here it goes:

1. How does one know if they are addicted to MB or if it is a habit?
2. I am always unsure of the “correct” meanings of the 3 conditions needed for a sin to be mortal, I have the first condition down (serious matter), but the 2nd and 3rd for me at least have gray area. For example IF I am addicted to MB how does Catechism #2352 apply?, effecting the 3rd condition (full consent). Thus this effects condition #2 (you must know it is seriously wrong, I’m unsure - impurity involes so many types of would be sins - which are mortal, which are not, did that apply to that, etc, I’m confused). I also have anxiety (10+ years) and depression (3+ years: now working with family doc trying to get correct meds). When does a sin that’s venile cross the line and become mortal. How does anxiety, depression and addiction effect sins of impurity?, Which leads me back to my original question: How do I know if I am addicted to MB or not? Sometimes I feel tempted to think it is not a sin (and it may be) and that it is a sin )when it may not be). Is there any resource out there that CLEARLY goes into detail on the 3 conditions needed for a sin to be mortal? Thank you very much, please pray for me, and if anyone would be good enough to have masses said I’d be grateful.

 

[Zahmir]

While we do have these… three conditions for sin… I’d like to classify sin under the general category, “Turning away from God.” By your actions, are you turning away from God? While you have an addiction, are you doing everything you can to stop that addiction? Masturbation is a perversion of our sexuality and, needless to say, very wrong. Don’t take this issue lightly, though I’m sure you haven’t. Moreover, there are two things which need to be corrected. One, your addiction/habit of masturbation. Two, a turning away from God’s love. While one will probably be fixed before the other (that being the first one), both need to be corrected for a full… readmittance into purity.

I think if you direct your attempts towards fully understanding God’s love, and accepting his love, your addiction to masturbation will be easier to overcome than by simply “not masturbating.”

As Augustine (I’m pretty sure) said, “Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief.” In other words… Lord, I know you’re there, but help me to understand your love. The more you do so, I think the easier you’ll find it to live a more joy-filled, productive life.

Hope this helps. I know what you’re going through.

 

[mercygate]

As Newman said (paraphrase): Do not trouble yourself about whether you have drawn back from God (committed mortal sin); let your ordinary repentance be as though you had.

If you ask me, if you’re worried about distinguishing between mortal and venial sin, you’re either scrupulous or trapped in mortal sin. The “weenie” clause in the Catechism concerning this subject does not fortify those who struggle in this grave battle but enables their continuance.

God be with you. Make a novena to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. She has been known to work miracles.

 

[Latin_Catholic_1]

I used to be addicted to pornography & masturbation too.

I eventually converted, and decided to never go back to it again.

However, sometimes when sleeping, I suddenly kind of “awake” and realize I’m doing it, but I’m not totally awake, and after it I immediately loose conscience again (back to regular sleep I guess).

What I mean is that I realize it happened but also can tell I was not really & completely conscious of it by the time it happened.

I read a book about moral theology, and the author says that when it comes to impurity, you have to be sure you did it on your free-will in order to be mortal sin.

So it all comes down to this: are your using your complete free-will to do it or not?

Hope this helps.

P.S. You may want to learn a purity prayer here:

ourladyoflight.com/purity_prayer.htm

I always say it before I go to sleep and it helps

 

[jegow]

A good question for anyone who has an addiction they want to get rid is; what is keeping me from stopping? It sounds stupid but it could be the person themselves or excuses they make for themselves or the person really isn’t into stopping the addiction 100%. If you are addicted you have a rough road to go down in order to stop. If you really want to stop – stop using addiction as an excuse (if you are) because in your mind you’ll never be able to quit if you keep saying “well I’m addicted.” Second, anytime a person moves from a grave vice towards virtue there is always going to be struggle, so don’t give up the fight against vice.