Is an erection a sin?

[SearchingFleeting345]

Hello there,

I just wanted to ask a quick question because I’m pretty sure I didn’t entertain any of the impure thoughts as I am asking here, but here’s the scenario.

I was talking to this woman on WhatsApp (a text messaging app) and I hadn’t seen what she looked like (since we haven’t seen each other in ages). She uploaded a profile picture of her face (no body or anything, just her head lying down on the beach) and thought to myself: “Oh wow, is that what she looks like now?”

She’s quite pretty, but I got an erection when I looked at her picture. I knew that if I lingered for too long, it could lead to impure thoughts. I received some impure thoughts, but I had to fight it.

Have I committed a sin? Or was I tempted?

 

[Fauken]

Please discuss this with your priest.

 

[Wesrock]

What you experienced is a normal biological reaction. Don’t overthink it.

This is correct. This is a natural, typically unintended reaction. You no more intended it than you intend to get goosebumps when cold. You did the right thing not lingering.

Please speak to a priest if you often have questions like these, or are still uncertain.

 

[SadPotato]

What you experienced is a normal biological reaction. Don’t overthink it.

Best advice you’ll get @SearchingFleeting345 .

 

[adamhovey1988]

I dare say, if it was, many a man would have to go to confession every time they woke up

 

[Dan_Defender]

I’d say this falls under temptation. No worries. Take a cold shower and move on.

 

[Special]

That’s funny it reminds me when the Catholic kids I knew in 7th and 8th grade. Gee getting a boner is a sin.? Nah… Sometimes it was difficult when it happened at school . going from 1 class room to another.