Is This A Sin?

[scameter18]

I was at a local library recently and while browsing through a book about writing fantasy and science fiction novels, I noticed a section discussing how to write love scenes. I felt an unusual feeling - like a combination of curiosity, excitement, and humor. I turned to the section. The author wrote a love scene just for the book. I consciously tried to see if he actually described anything sexual in it - I don’t know why. I don’t remember thinking that I was looking for that to “get off” or become aroused. Though he didn’t have explicit or pornographic sexual references, he used a couple symbolic phrases for sex in the scene. When I read it, I laughed at the absurdity of it.

I don’t know if this is a serious matter or not, and thus whether or not it would be a mortal sin. If this is a grave matter, I will consult my priest for reconciliation; if not, it is venial. Any advice would be much appreciated, and please stay on topic. I’m not asking about venial and mortal sins, just about whether or not this particular event was sinful. Thank you, and God bless.

 

[DexUK]

It sounds to me like you placed yourself in a slight ‘near occasion of sin’. I don’t think that curiosity about the contents of a book is itself sinful (I don’t think we even have banned books any more). What you actually read wasn’t pornographic: as you say it was absurd.

A mortal act is a grave act - adultery, murder, etc. Since you didn’t do anything like that, the worst it could be would be venial.

 

[scameter18]

Thank you. This was bothering me, especially to my history of weakness with pornography and masturbation before I was baptized, so I wanted to make sure. God bless.