Is contemplating a sin sinful

[billpenn]

Hello to all.

Is contemplating a sin a sin in itself? Some examples:

1. you win a raffle and learn that you will not receive a 1099 for it, so you could consider not reporting this income.
2. you think about looking at something pornographic.
3. you think about faking illness to remain home from work.
4. you think about flirting overtly with somebody.

I think that they all qualify as temptations, and that so long as you do not actually perform the act that you’ve contemplated, you have not sinned, but rather have successfully resisted the temptation.

I suppose 2 and 4 could become sins were you to actively entertain lustful, graphic thoughts in those cases…

Thoughts?

 

[rwoehmke]

You have pretty much answered your own question on 2 and 4. However to have a thought about any of the four would be called a “temptation” and to ponder long on them would be putting yourself closer to accepting the action. To continously consider and roll around in ones mind what one knows to be a sinful act would seem to me to be a sin in itself. That would include any sin, not just those relating to the 6th and 9th Commandments.

 

[quasimodo]

depends on how much you are enjoying the thoughts

vs

working through the temptation to decide to do the right thing

 

[Magicsilence]

I find myself often daydreaming about pulling off difficult crimes, and fooling all the cops!

I usually try to shake off the idea once I realise I am doing it.

It wont hurt to get rid of these thoughts as soon as possible.

Though, you would have to talk to your confessor about specifics.

Peace and God Bless!

 

[BlestOne]

Gosh I hope not…I often think about what I would do if I ever found my ex-husband that owes over $20,000 in back child support. I know I would never do any of the things I think about. Don’t worry…it doesn’t involve physical agression…just a bit of detective work to find out as much as I can about his employment status and possibly his marital status…maybe even warning a bride about his 2 other wives… oh and calling a police officer to detain him so I can get the information…