Is this true?

[Mary_Margaret_1]

This is a quote from another thread and it struck me. What do you all think? Is this a good rule of thumb for determining if you’ve comitted a mortal sin?

Quote:

Ah, yes, scruples. Here’s a rule for excessive worrying: unless you wouldn’t hesitate to swear on a stack of Bibles that you committed a mortal sin, then you haven’t committed a mortal sin.

Thanks all and God bless!

 

[Corki]

No that’s not a good rule of thumb. Having a lax conscience is just as bad (if not more so) than having an overly scrupulous one.

The “rule of thumb” is the same as it’s always been. If the act or ommission is grave matter; if you know it’s grave matter and if you do it willingly, it’s a mortal sin.

The Catechism is a good guide for what is grave matter. There are lots of very good examens available online - just search “Examination of Conscience”.

The other two criteria (knowledge and consent) are up to your individual judgement.

 

[Mary_Margaret_1]

Ok— Thank you!

God bless.

 

[George_Stegmeir]

The best way to handle the subject of “Did I commit a Mortal Sin?”, Whether you have an ignorant or lax conscience or you are suffering over scrupulousity, is to go to Confession and discuss it with a priest.
The discussion of such matters by an individual on the internet is not only a waste of time, it can imperil the soul due to receiving gross misinformation. Only a priest is qualified to answer such questions!

 

[Bookcat]

Compendium issued by Pope Benedict XVI

1. When does one commit a mortal sin?

1855-1861
1874

One commits a mortal sin when there are simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and, if unrepented, leads us to the eternal death of hell. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation.

1. When does one commit a venial sin?

1862-1864
1875

One commits a venial sin, which is essentially different from a mortal sin, when the matter involved is less serious or, even if it is grave, when full knowledge or complete consent are absent. Venial sin does not break the covenant with God but it weakens charity and manifests a disordered affection for created goods. It impedes the progress of a soul in the exercise of the virtues and in the practice of moral good. It merits temporal punishment which purifies.

vatican.va/archive/compendium_ccc/documents/archive_2005_compendium-ccc_en.html

 

[Bookcat]

This is a quote from another thread and it struck me. What do you all think? Is this a good rule of thumb for determining if you’ve comitted a mortal sin?

Quote:

Ah, yes, scruples. Here’s a rule for excessive worrying: unless you wouldn’t hesitate to swear on a stack of Bibles that you committed a mortal sin, then you haven’t committed a mortal sin.

Thanks all and God bless!

The key word there is in particular is - “scruples”

Could one find similar advice given by say a Confessor to his scrupulous penitent who fears unreasonably they are committing mortal sins? Sure.

(he --knowing the particular scruples of the particular penitent might advise something like this)

(Not that one would actually swear of course --one needs very good reason for such)

If anyone here is scrupulous they can discuss with their *regular confessor *regarding principles that can be useful to them in judging.

It can be often recommended that those who are not scrupulous --but with normal or even lax consciences to confess doubtful mortal sins (noting there is doubt).

Often those who are scrupulous may be advised not to confess such directly in confession.

A person who struggles with scruples ought to have a “regular confessor” to assist them. And discuss their particular difficulties with him.