Is Masturbation the only "debatable" Sin?

[hasikelee]

I love this analogy! It suits this perfectly!

Of course jay walking and rape/murder are not the same but equally “wrong” if you commit either one; your in the wrong! But are the sentances punishments the same? Even for a repeat jaywalker?

In the case of mortal sin the sentence is the same! and then in fact the sins basically the same!

YOU are saying masturbation is a mortal sin! That will condemn a soul to hell. Prevent receiving the Eucharist! I say no.

I say yes a degree of guilt is carried about till absolution but is it the same type of stain that a murderer has? C’mon! Quit it!

It makes less and less sense to me each post!

W

and NO It’s not OK to masturbate I’m NOT saying that! My stance is it’s not mortal under most circumstances of which the vast majority of us have been guilty of before! or are now!

W!

W,

Hell is a choice, not a place to which you are condemned.

You feel that masturbation is not serious enough to be a choice between God and Hell. You feel that because other actions are more violent, more bloody, more abhorrent, therefore masturbation can’t be as bad as them.

You continue to say you believe masturbation is bad, but because it isn’t as obviously violent or “evil” feeling as, say, murdering a toddler, therefore it can’t be that bad. I’ll call a spade a spade. You want to believe masturbation is not a mortal sin for a personal reason.

Following that logic, overdosing an elderly patient can’t be as bad as cutting me up into pieces. It isn’t, perfectly according to your logic.

Therefore, Ru486 isn’t as bad as a dilation and cutterage. Killing the human when the human can’t feel pain is obviously different from cutting his or her arms and legs off later on. It isn’t the same, according to your logic.

You are attempting to do exactly what my first post pish poshed about. Does not every item on my list have its own little justifications?

C’mon, cohabitation is good for you. It helps you decide if that person is the one for you.

Abortion isn’t that bad. You want that kid to come into the world and starve, or be abused, or live in poverty?

Oh please, what a prude. Homosexuality isn’t bad. What is wrong with two people loving each other?

Divorce didn’t hurt me or my exwife! We are better people. No more fighting, no more hate.

 

[whatevergirl]

I think it might be the MOST debatable sin on this forum.

Thing is, with any sin to be considered mortal, one would need to willfully and knowingly be interested in doing something against God. I think this is a harder sin to grasp for many, because it falls under the ‘adultery’ category. That’s the thing, W. You have posted that it’s ‘not as bad as adultery,’ but in the CCC, it’s listed under adultery. (like a subheading under it) I think that is why it is hard for people to grasp it, because when we think of adultery, we think of harming others. (in addition to harming others)

But, maybe you feel, W, that it shouldn’t be listed under ‘adultery.’ ??

 

[Randy_Carson]

Is it possible that the Church’s teaching on sexuality was skewed by Augustine who, having lived a very carnal life prior to his conversion, may have gone overboard in the opposite direction?

 

[zjl56]

Augustine was indeed pivotal to the greater understanding to human sexuality in regards to marriage, but it might not be possible to say that his carnal lifestyle. While he lived a sinful lifestyle, with the stealing and dishonesty, he actually too up sex in an accepted way in that time period. Augustine’s relationship with his concubine lasted for over ten years, so I think discredit to point this as his source of opinions on the role of sexuality.
What really got him thinking, and defining sexuality, was his conflicts with different heresies, particularly the Manichees. The Manichees, known polygomists, challenged Church leadership on all grounds revolving around sexuality, and in response people like Augustine and Ambrose began clearly explaining what the Church’s view on sexuality was.

But, even Ambrose and Augustine were not definitive compared to Aquinas, who with his foundation of Natural Law, really defined and shaped how the Church has viewed sexuality in and out of marriage.

 

[Jofantioch]

C’mon…

If your son or daughter came to you and said they masturbated would you really respond the same as if the had an abortion or were gay? If they had raped someone or killed?

W

You are making a ridiculous argument.

If you want to live in a world where the only sins are felonies, I pity you. Sin should not have to get to the point where we have to lock people up in order to recognize it.

Rape, murder, etc. are felonies and you lock up people who do these things.

Masturbation is not a felony and is not punishable by jail.

This forum is not about civil law and civil standards. It is about spiritual standards. It’s about the Church. Let’s keep this in mind.

 

[Whalstib]

You are making a ridiculous argument.

If you want to live in a world where the only sins are felonies, I pity you. Sin should not have to get to the point where we have to lock people up in order to recognize it.

Rape, murder, etc. are felonies and you lock up people who do these things.

Masturbation is not a felony and is not punishable by jail.

This forum is not about civil law and civil standards. It is about spiritual standards. It’s about the Church. Let’s keep this in mind.

You say it’s ridiculus then agree with me!
Amazing!

There is a serious problem here with peoples refusal to read actual posts. I’ve said about 20 times “masturbation is a sin” Get that through your heads!

My issue is it’s not mortal in most circumstances.

Some of you are certifiable!

W

 

[Mirror_Mirror]

Certainly your partner is there to meet your sexual love needs. You meet hers, she meets yours. Mutual pleasure with your love partner, rather than self pleasure of onanism is what God intended for man/woman. If sex is mutually pleasurable to both … then your wife and you will desire it ever second nite or so … and not look on it as some obligation.

Hard working men/women should not deny the other on basis of being tired or having headache. You took vow for “better or worse” … right ? Never withhold yourself from your partner … except for a period of fasting and concentrated spiritual devotion.

Mutual love is the intention of God for marriage. Where did you learn your sexual theology ?

Paul told the early Christians to forego marriage if they could control their sexual desires … otherwise it was better to marry than to burn of lust.

2 quick points for you first of all God’s intention for marraige is not mutual love, it is to get each other to heaven. Secondly, I learned my sexual theology from the teachings of the Catholic Church and from JPII Love and Responsibility and Theology of the Body. From Christopher West. Even from Humanae Vitae.

 

[Whalstib]

W,

Hell is a choice, not a place to which you are condemned.

You feel that masturbation is not serious enough to be a choice between God and Hell. You feel that because other actions are more violent, more bloody, more abhorrent, therefore masturbation can’t be as bad as them.

You continue to say you believe masturbation is bad, but because it isn’t as obviously violent or “evil” feeling as, say, murdering a toddler, therefore it can’t be that bad. I’ll call a spade a spade. You want to believe masturbation is not a mortal sin for a personal reason.

Following that logic, overdosing an elderly patient can’t be as bad as cutting me up into pieces. It isn’t, perfectly according to your logic.

Therefore, Ru486 isn’t as bad as a dilation and cutterage. Killing the human when the human can’t feel pain is obviously different from cutting his or her arms and legs off later on. It isn’t the same, according to your logic.

You are attempting to do exactly what my first post pish poshed about. Does not every item on my list have its own little justifications?

C’mon, cohabitation is good for you. It helps you decide if that person is the one for you.

Abortion isn’t that bad. You want that kid to come into the world and starve, or be abused, or live in poverty?

Oh please, what a prude. Homosexuality isn’t bad. What is wrong with two people loving each other?

Divorce didn’t hurt me or my exwife! We are better people. No more fighting, no more hate.

Amazing!

Spade here…

Yes I want to call masturbation not a mortal sin becuase of a personal reason. That reason is I’m not self rightgeous enough to condemn every one on this forum that’s why? Here’s more:
Because the CCC says it is NOT!
Because incredibly holy priests have told me it’s NOT!
Because it’s NOT addressed in the Bible!
Because natural law and common sense prove it’s no where near the level of abortion or murder!
And because YOU don’t KNOW the mind of God yet prefer to play god and condemn.

Christ tells me to have compassion and NOT to judge! So I don’t.

Once again I get the distinct impression you consider masturbation AS bad as homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, murder etc Right!? You back pedal but when we come to the absolute punishment for each you do say if one dies in the state of having committed any one of the above without absolution they are a lost soul? yes we know it’s their choice…yawn… BUT are you suggesting what I illustrate?

Please take a second to quickly answer this yes or no because you’ve confused me. You can follow up on an additional post.

Yes or No!?

W!

 

[Mirror_Mirror]

Amazing!

Spade here…

Yes I want to call masturbation not a mortal sin becuase of a personal reason. That reason is I’m not self rightgeous enough to condemn every one on this forum that’s why? Here’s more:
Because the CCC says it is NOT!
Because incredibly holy priests have told me it’s NOT!
Because it’s NOT addressed in the Bible!
Because natural law and common sense prove it’s no where near the level of abortion or murder!
And because YOU don’t KNOW the mind of God yet prefer to play god and condemn.

Christ tells me to have compassion and NOT to judge! So I don’t.

Once again I get the distinct impression you consider masturbation AS bad as homosexuality, abortion, euthanasia, murder etc Right!? You back pedal but when we come to the absolute punishment for each you do say if one dies in the state of having committed any one of the above without absolution they are a lost soul? yes we know it’s their choice…yawn… BUT are you suggesting what I illustrate?

Please take a second to quickly answer this yes or no because you’ve confused me. You can follow up on an additional post.

Yes or No!?

W!

What Catechism are you reading? The one that I have read states that masturbation is a gravely disordered action.

 

[Whalstib]

What Catechism are you reading? The one that I have read states that masturbation is a gravely disordered action.

Read the entire section I post for you:
2352 By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. “Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action.” “The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose.” For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of “the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved.”

!!!HERE!!!
To form an equitable judgment about the subjects’ moral responsibility and to guide pastoral action, one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors that lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability.

Is that clear enough for all of you!

NOTE. I question it being a mortal sin in ALL circumstances as many prefer to state.

W!

 

[Mirror_Mirror]

Read the entire section I post for you:
2352 By masturbation is to be understood the deliberate stimulation of the genital organs in order to derive sexual pleasure. “Both the Magisterium of the Church, in the course of a constant tradition, and the moral sense of the faithful have been in no doubt and have firmly maintained that masturbation is an intrinsically and gravely disordered action.” “The deliberate use of the sexual faculty, for whatever reason, outside of marriage is essentially contrary to its purpose.” For here sexual pleasure is sought outside of “the sexual relationship which is demanded by the moral order and in which the total meaning of mutual self-giving and human procreation in the context of true love is achieved.”

!!!HERE!!!
To form an equitable judgment about the subjects’ moral responsibility and to guide pastoral action, one must take into account the affective immaturity, force of acquired habit, conditions of anxiety or other psychological or social factors that lessen, if not even reduce to a minimum, moral culpability.
Is that clear enough for all of you!

NOTE. I question it being a mortal sin in ALL circumstances as many prefer to state.

W!

Wow, struck a nerve there. Might want to consider taking a breath and actually reading what the Catechism states there.

Take the time to read the highlighted statement above. You will see that the culpability of the act is what is diminished. Now when you read it, it does not say that it is eliminated. Therefore, the form of the sin as listed at the beginning of the Catechism that you posted is that this is a gravely disordered action.

Could masturbation be a venial sin? To one that is not knowledgeable of the Church’s teachings. Hey, I will give you that. Remember, mortal sins:

1 - Serious matter
2 - Full knowledge
3 - Full consent of the will

It is wrong, you know it is wrong, but you do it anyway. But for someone like yourself that knows about the teachings as it relates to masturbation, you mean to tell me that you believe there is a chance that this is a venial sin for you? If that is what you want to believe, then who am I to tell you different? I simply go by the teachings of the Catholic Church.

 

[Whalstib]

Wow, struck a nerve there. Might want to consider taking a breath and actually reading what the Catechism states there.

You go by the teachings of the Catholic Church as they suit your judgemental needs!

This isn’t about me. I’ve been forthright and honest on my position and frequency of masturbation. I’ve discussed this face to face with better men than you! I know they are better because they don’t judge! They have a degree of Christian compassion lacking in you and others. The readiness to condemn of you and your sort turns my stomach!

Try reading Christ’s words and give them just a bit more weight than some OT passage or some obscure Church fathers who suit your needs.

Christ teaches me compassion and NOT to judge, Key teachings in fact. Says NOTHING about masturbation! Not a word! Plenty about pharisee’s etc…judgmental types etc…clearly states,clearly tells us NOT to throw stones yet you and the like are happy to ignore that one !

W

[/QUOTE]

 

[nodito]

NOTE. I question it being a mortal sin in ALL circumstances as many prefer to state.

I think there was some misunderstanding over word choice in this thread, specifically the distinction between mortal sin versus grave sin.

Whalstib, both you and those arguing with you on this thread have quoted the Catechism. The catechism says that masturbation is always an objectively grave sin. It is objectively grave just like abortion and just like homicide. Those who know this and freely choose to masturbate anyway commit a mortal sin. But you are correct, it is not always a mortal sin. Mitigating factors (for example, strong force of habit) can make this sin venial, because people with this problem aren’t freely choosing to commit an objectively disordered act.

Still, I’d be hesitant about making sweeping generalizations about the number of people who commit mortal sin by masturbating versus the people who “only” commit venial sin. I think it distracts from the fact that the act is intrinsically and gravely disordered. Whether an individual is culpable for committing a mortal sin should be left to the discretion of one’s spiritual director or confessor.

 

[Whalstib]

I think there was some misunderstanding over word choice in this thread, specifically the distinction between mortal sin versus grave sin.

Whalstib, both you and those arguing with you on this thread have quoted the Catechism. The catechism says that masturbation is always an objectively grave sin. It is objectively grave just like abortion and just like homicide. Those who know this and freely choose to masturbate anyway commit a mortal sin. But you are correct, it is not always a mortal sin. Mitigating factors (for example, strong force of habit) can make this sin venial, because people with this problem aren’t freely choosing to commit an objectively disordered act.

Still, I’d be hesitant about making sweeping generalizations about the number of people who commit mortal sin by masturbating versus the people who “only” commit venial sin. I think it distracts from the fact that the act is intrinsically and gravely disordered. Whether an individual is culpable for committing a mortal sin should be left to the discretion of one’s spiritual director or confessor.

Excellent post!

Thanks!

I still struggle mightily with it being of the same sin as abortion and murder.

We ALL masturbate or have masturbated. I’d bet that ALL of us will eventually again despite all the graces of the Church.

How come I have an urge to do so every few months? Why is it stronger at other times?

Why do I have zero desire to kill or commit adultery? I know I’ll never have gay sex! Positive!

Most mortal sins violate numerous “laws” Murder can be fueled by pride, anger, lust, envy etc…rage! Fear! all horrible human states. All clear signs in and of themselves of impending disasters. All clear indications one is turning from God.

Masturbation urges are generally fueled by anxiety and stress in my instance. Lust a side and not always part of and not the fuel in my instance!. It’s my bodies reaction to itself not any imbalance in my spiritual life like the “7 deadlies”.

I can count on one hand the instances in the past 2 years. Pretty much on 2 fingers! So I’m not looking for loop holes to begin a career at this. I used to much more frequently in years past and am glad that’s behind me.

Thanks again!

W

 

[nodito]

always an objectively grave sin

What a time for me to mistype. I should have said it’s always objectively grave matter. The grave sin vs. mortal sin distinction is not as helpful. In any event, you got my drift.

Why do I have zero desire to kill or commit adultery? I know I’ll never have gay sex! Positive!

Everyone struggles with different sins, and I don’t think this is necessarily an indicator of the seriousness of the sin. It sounds like you struggle with masturbating. Someone else might be tempted to engage in premarital sex. Yet another person might feel a strong desire to exact revenge through murder. I think the substance of what we struggle with is probably a combination of situation (our occasions of sin) and our own individual weaknesses.

We ALL masturbate or have masturbated. I’d bet that ALL of us will eventually again despite all the graces of the Church.

I think this is unfair to the many men and women who do not masturbate. Furthermore, God does not require of us the impossible, so those who do struggle with this sin can overcome it with His help.

Most mortal sins violate numerous “laws” Murder can be fueled by pride, anger, lust, envy etc…rage! Fear! all horrible human states. All clear signs in and of themselves of impending disasters. All clear indications one is turning from God.

Masturbation urges are generally fueled by anxiety and stress in my instance. Lust a side and not always part of and not the fuel in my instance!. It’s my bodies reaction to itself not any imbalance in my spiritual life like the “7 deadlies”.

It’s really not up to me to judge your culpability for this sin. I’d argue, though, that choosing to release stress and anxiety through masturbation is a sign of either immaturity or selfishness, and the latter is an indicator that one is turning from God. When one feels stressed or has the urge to masturbate, for example, why couldn’t they go for a run to relieve tension? Perhaps the decision not to reflects the root cause or “fuel” that you speak of, a selfish desire to put our own comfort above God’s will.

God bless.

 

[blessedtoo]

I still struggle mightily with it being of the same sin as abortion and murder.

What you are struggling with is the concept of MORTAL sin, the one that separates us from God. As I stated before, missing Mass is also a mortal sin. Is it equal to murder? Disrespecting one’s parents is a mortal sin? Is is equal to abortion? Where did you get this idea that all things must be equal in obvious severity to us as human beings? Isn’t is enough that God has given us the Commandments and the CCC has defined them?

We ALL masturbate or have masturbated. I’d bet that ALL of us will eventually again despite all the graces of the Church.

Sorry, bubba. We do not ALL do this. And MANY of us will not ever do this again. Believe it or not, it is completely and utterly possible to live without carnal pleasure.

How come I have an urge to do so every few months? Why is it stronger at other times?

You say you only have this urge every few months? This would indicate that you might not fall into those categories you keep posting. It’s obviously not habitual. You don’t appear to have psychological issues (although you’re pretty hot under the collar! ). Perhaps you are immature but certainly the information on this thread has helped to educate you. What else have ya got by way of looking for loopholes?

Most mortal sins violate numerous “laws” Murder can be fueled by pride, anger, lust, envy etc…rage! Fear! all horrible human states. All clear signs in and of themselves of impending disasters. All clear indications one is turning from God.

Misuse of the sexual faculties, in any context, is a turning away from God.

Masturbation urges are generally fueled by anxiety and stress in my instance. Lust a side and not always part of and not the fuel in my instance!. It’s my bodies reaction to itself not any imbalance in my spiritual life like the “7 deadlies”.

You can’t imagine how may times this excuse has been used. Yes, I KNOW it allegedly relieves anxiety (although you seen pretty anxious about defending your position). What about the anxiety it creates? What are the mental gyrations we have to go through to make it okay to sin? And you talk like you and your body are two separate entities. You do have a mind and a conscience. The body can’t work without the cooperation of both. There are tons of things my body wants to do that require intervention. My body would LOVE to sleep an extra two hours every day (good for my health and a stress reliever!). But my employer has these rules where I have to get to the job on time. I train my body so I can meet the expectations of my job. And let’s not even discuss how many more scoops of ice cream my body wants! Who is in control here?

 

[Mirror_Mirror]

Mirror Mirror;3564181:

I agree try it some time!

Ah…Yea that’s what I’ve been saying. Please read! sheesh

yes all 3 have to be present but what do you think:
“the culpability of the act is what is diminished.” means? I read that as NOT mortal if the circumstances are met!

You go by the teachings of the Catholic Church as they suit your judgemental needs!

This isn’t about me. I’ve been forthright and honest on my position and frequency of masturbation. I’ve discussed this face to face with better men than you! I know they are better because they don’t judge! They have a degree of Christian compassion lacking in you and others. The readiness to condemn of you and your sort turns my stomach!

Try reading Christ’s words and give them just a bit more weight than some OT passage or some obscure Church fathers who suit your needs.

Christ teaches me compassion and NOT to judge, Key teachings in fact. Says NOTHING about masturbation! Not a word! Plenty about pharisee’s etc…judgmental types etc…clearly states,clearly tells us NOT to throw stones yet you and the like are happy to ignore that one !

W

At this point I have chosen to no longer participate in this discussion as your personal attacks on me as well as you assumptions that I have judged anyone have made having a “normal” discussion next to impossilble.

God bless you and your search for answers.

 

[BRB]

Excellent post!

Thanks!

We ALL masturbate or have masturbated. I’d bet that ALL of us will eventually again despite all the graces of the Church.

How come I have an urge to do so every few months? Why is it stronger at other times?

Why do I have zero desire to kill or commit adultery? I know I’ll never have gay sex! Positive!

W

God takes notice of your honesty on this sin … and those casting stones at you.

How many unmarried males less than say 65 y.o. can go 1-2 months w/o feeling a strong biologic urge to obtain release ?

Some here seem to be saying that they have conquered this ‘biologic factor’ of life. For married folks, yes you should have this problem whipped. If not, you of all here should be most concerned about the issue.

God is always concerned about our thoughts of the heart. If we don’t do things to provoke our sexual desires (visual, manual stimulation, thoughts about old girlfriends, etc) … that is a key factor Christ notices in our intentions.

Again, we can go overboard and take drastic measures like Origen did … but, the Church doesn’t recommend such. I think God gave man such issues to deal with … to constantly remind us that we are sinners [by thought and deed], and to show us that daily confession is expected.

Those who don’t have this particular problem … will have others just as bad [or worse]. Even the righteous man sins 7 times in a day. Thus, confess always … and be merciful to others as God has had mercy upon us.

I’m not saying don’t worry or ignore this sin, and go on our merry way. Just don’t feed the fire of passion … and, realize we all have daily ‘thought sins’ of mortal varieties that need daily confessions … so lets not ignore those ‘blind spot’ sins in our lives, while only spotting the obvious ones.

 

[BRB]

2 quick points for you first of all God’s intention for marraige is not mutual love, it is to get each other to heaven. Secondly, I learned my sexual theology from the teachings of the Catholic Church .

1 Corinthinians 7 … the entire chapter. It’s not the entire word on the subject … but, its a good starting point.

 

[Joe_5859]

How many unmarried males less than say 65 y.o. can go 1-2 months w/o feeling a strong biologic urge to obtain release ?

I’m under 30 (for a little while longer), and I’ve been able to do it. I don’t consider myself especially heroic or unique. Yes, there are temptations at times, but what really matters is our choices. And, with prayer and grace, it gets easier and easier to overcome them.

I’m married now, but I managed to do just fine for several years prior to that.

(Sidenote: FYI, sex in marriage is not as frequent as most guys imagine beforehand! In my pre-Cana class, the best advice one of the guy instructors gave was to tell us guys that sex doesn’t happen every day. All the guys were like “Really?” while all the girls where so in shock that such a thing even needed to be said! To the guys, it was news. To the girls, it was obvious.)

Some here seem to be saying that they have conquered this ‘biologic factor’ of life. For married folks, yes you should have this problem whipped. If not, you of all here should be most concerned about the issue.

Actually, I would say that this vice needs to be conquered well before marriage. If one cannot be chaste before marriage, they cannot expect to be so afterwards. One of the reasons is, as I said above: sex does not happen nearly as frequently as most guys imagine beforehand.

So what happens if your wife is having a difficult pregnancy in her last trimester followed by a C-section (which takes at least 6 weeks to recover from). One could easily be looking at 4 or 5 months where sex is simply not an option. If the rationalization that it is normal and good for a “release” worked before marriage, it will still work after marriage.

The main reason to conquer this vice beforehand, though, would be in order to properly respect one’s wife. If “release” is something that is often in the forefront of one’s mind, that very easily translates into using one’s wife rather than loving her through the marital act.

It’s much, much better to conquer this before one gets married rather than look to marriage as the “cure”. It simply won’t be. If one struggles with this problem before marriage, they’ll still struggle with it after marriage, too.

God is always concerned about our thoughts of the heart. If we don’t do things to provoke our sexual desires (visual, manual stimulation, thoughts about old girlfriends, etc) … that is a key factor Christ notices in our intentions.

Yes, God, is concerned with our hearts, and intentions matter, but good intentions do not make sinful actions okay. At best, they minimize culpability. Personally, I do not see how masturbation could ever be done without lust. Really, it would seem that the only way to accomplish this would be to create a disconnect between your body and soul. In its proper context, our sexual faculty is very much tied to the desire for the opposite sex. It would seem to me that one would have to be pretty emotionally detached (in a bad way) in order to do this. That, of course, would create major problems whenever one did get married. If one is so used to using their sexualy faculties divorced from any emotional and/or spiritual context, that would spell disaster for their relationship with their spouse. By that point, I don’t think you’d be able to help but be detached from your wife as well.

Again, we can go overboard and take drastic measures like Origen did … but, the Church doesn’t recommend such. I think God gave man such issues to deal with … to constantly remind us that we are sinners [by thought and deed], and to show us that daily confession is expected.

I think you are correct here. Each of us have struggles, but not everyone struggles with the same things. Of course, we don’t have to mutilate ourselves, but that doesn’t mean we stop trying to live according to God’s will as revealed to us through the teachings of His Church. Will we fall? Yes. But with prayer and the grace of God, we will find that things can get better. Of course, once that happens, God usually will point out the next sinful habit he wants us to work on overcoming!

We absolutely should take advantage of the Sacrament of Confession. (Do you really go to Confession every day!?)

Those who don’t have this particular problem … will have others just as bad [or worse]. Even the righteous man sins 7 times in a day. Thus, confess always … and be merciful to others as God has had mercy upon us.

Absolutely!

I’m not saying don’t worry or ignore this sin, and go on our merry way. Just don’t feed the fire of passion … and, realize we all have daily ‘thought sins’ of mortal varieties that need daily confessions … so lets not ignore those ‘blind spot’ sins in our lives, while only spotting the obvious ones.

I’m not sure what these daily mortal “thought sins” are that you are referring to. We do want to strive to turn away from sin in every aspect of our lives.