Long Hugs Mortal Sin?

[LostGirl2]

I read this in an examination of conscience from Catholic News Agency:

" Did I engage in acts such as “petting,” “necking,” passionate kisses, or prolonged embraces?"

I understand why the first three are mortally sinful, but are all prolonged embraces mortal sins (I see why some would be)? What about a couple sitting together with this arm around her watching a movie

 

[Carmelite1983]

I imagine it means “sexually charged embraces” but I’m no expert.

 

[ineedofmercy]

I’m not expert but i really doubt it means long hugs
Long hugs usually don’t even have a sexual motive but a closeness and comfort motive

I like long hugs and I think society has shunned their importance is many ways

I believe many in our generation would have sexual interactions without a second thought but hugs and innocent closeness are too much and imply you’re dating

I don’t think there is anything wrong with hugs bud
It’s surely not mortal unless you really try to make that hug a sexual sin

 

[1ke]

Not everything listed on an examination of conscience is “mortal sin”. Examinations frequently list venial sins as well.

It depends on what’s going on in this “embrace”. Use prudent judgment.

 

[Carmelite1983]

I mean if you’re hugging each other with your legs that might be a bit much…

 

[LaughingBoy1503]

Every priest I have ever talked to about hugging and kissing and so forth in the context of a boyfriend/girlfriend relations pretty much confirm it’s all about intention.
Kissing and hugging as a expression of love, not to get some jollies is fine. I typically enjoy long embrasses with my fiance. And I think it’s important to question my own motive when I do this. The conclusion I have drawn is that I want to hold her because I just love her. My senior pastor told me, in regards to kissing, that asking “am I doing this out of love or lust?” Is the general rule of thumb and I imagine it is the same for prolonged hugging.

 

[pnewton]

Not everything listed on an examination of conscience is “mortal sin”. Examinations frequently list venial sins as well.

I guess in some cases there may not even be sin. An examination of conscience is just that - an examination. The very word allows for things to be yes/no, right/wrong, sin/not sin.

My rule has always been to err on the side of what I do is sin, err on the side that others are not committing sin, if there is judgement involved.

 

[halogirl]

Basically it means are you doing stuff that is leading to you going further ? Or wanting to.if so avoid/confess. Ps if you do get it wrong you CAN and will be forgiven in confession. Of course try to avoid at all costs and but there is always a way back to forgiveness. The devil will try to convince you that are now soiled and used goods but don’t listen to him get to confession . Just resolve not to sin any more and avoid occasions of sin.

 

[1ke]

Yes.

It should, but I guess it doesn’t around here (!) , go without saying that in generals hugs aren’t sins at all.

 

[Sophie111]

I would disagree…these materially described actions may not only not be personal sins but may not even be grave matter sometimes.

Personal sin is always intentionally doing what is unreasonable. Grave personal sin must be gravely unreasonable.

Long hugs in themselves are not gravely unreasonable.
You need to consider circumstances, intent and self understanding of the incident which you have not mentioned.