Is it a sin to imagine violence?

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CatholicLeanne

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Okay, so this is REALLY weird, but hear me out.

I have an extremely overactive imagination. I’m an (amateur) writer, and I tend to create elaborate stories out of random things in my head- some of which I write down, some of which I just have fun imagining. Some of the scenarios I think up in my head aren’t very nice, sometimes involving graphic violence. Now, while I am never, ever tempted to enact these ‘fantasies’ in real life- it’s purely in my head- it isn’t the sort of thing I imagine Jesus or Mary would be pleased to see in my heart.

For example, after hearing stories about martyrs and such, I sometimes imagine myself being tortured brutally for my faith. While it does lead me to consider what I would do in such a situation, and inspire me to strengthen my faith, I feel that the graphic imagery can’t be good for me. Also, imagining myself as a sort of ‘hero’ for Christ does stir pride within me- something I am working on overcoming.

What do you think? Is this a sin, or just a harmless, if a bit bizarre, thing my mind does?
 
It sounds like a pride issue and that is never good. I dont think I can tell you if it is a sin because I can’t tell you at what point you engage… but it is definitely slippery slope behaviour… it is going to slide you right into sin. So the thinking about something is not a sin, the liking it is not a sin but the engaging with it is. So the part where you feel the hero bit, I am guessing that’s the sin bit. Because it is so hard to stop that bit, I’d try to steer clear of the whole thing. I do think all of us have wondered if we’d step into the fire like the 3 in the gospel reading or if we’d chicken out and like situations. I dont think there is harm in that… but going further, that’s the tricky bit. Try turn your thinking to God at that point and remember that you would run away like the lily livered coward that you are if it were not for the grace of God. If you want to use your imagination and vivid and graphic imagery…. mediate on the passion of Christ… that’s good for you. God bless
 
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From the Confiteor: “I confess, to Almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned; in my thoughts and in my words…”

This is certainly something to clarify with father at your next confession. The reasoning behind your thoughts will tell the story.
 
This is something you have to form your own conscience with. A writer does not sin when imagining violence or evil in creating a work of literary art or fiction. Or dwelling on accurate depictions of non fiction crimes or violence. Sin, would enter in if the violence becomes the stimulation and the desire.
 
Okay. Thanks, everyone, that’s been pretty much my thoughts on the topic too. I’ll have a chat with my confessor about it.
 
Violence isn’t the answer.

Violence is the question. The answer is yes.
 
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