Making someone's sin mortal by telling them its mortal?

[vera_dicere]

I couldn’t see if this question in this way had been answered/asked, so excuse me if it exists somewhere.

There’s lots of topics about mortal sin and the three requirements that make it mortal. I got to wondering, as a lot of people have been asking me questions lately about Catholic teaching around things like premartial sex and contraception. All of these people didn’t know any which way about these teachings of the Church, so, when they themselves committed such sins, they only had grave matter and consent involved.

So my question is, by telling them the teaching of the Church, in pretty decent detail and WHY it is a sin et al, does their sin become mortal now that they have full knowledge? Or does that full knowledge part also require an understanding? Can we have knowledge of something and not understand it?

Most of those peopel are not even Christian, but a catholic and I had a discussion about something where it became apparent they were committing a sin of a grave nature with full consent, and they did not have knowledge that the Church taught agianst it - they were morely Catechised *. So I provided them with the information and told them the teachings regarding what they were doing.

Now, if that catholic goes and does that sin again, now knowing its a mortal sin, does that make it more mortal for them then someone who is not even Christian who I gave full knowledge?*

 

[Alexander_Smith]

You can’t change a sin once it has been committed. If you said or did something that was a grave matter, but you did not know it, or something else prevented full consent, than even if you became aware of the seriousness of your actions later, it would not “upgrade” the sin so-to-speak.

Also, there is no such thing as a more or less mortal sin. Sins are either venial or mortal. If the sin is mortal, it can be more or less serious (masturbation vs mass killing), but that does not change the consequences (loss of state of grace ect).

It is not necessary for someone to have read a specific teaching on something for them to commit a mortal sin. If someone knows that a certain act is gravely wrong, even if they’ve never read the Church’s teaching on it, common sense says that that act is gravely wrong, and therefore is certainly a serious sin if committed with full consent.

 

[jmcrae]

You can’t change a sin once it has been committed. If you said or did something that was a grave matter, but you did not know it, or something else prevented full consent, than even if you became aware of the seriousness of your actions later, it would not “upgrade” the sin so-to-speak.

Right, exactly - it’s what you knew at the time that is important, regarding whether a sin is mortal, or not.

However, since there are earthly consequences to grave sins (and earthly consequences don’t care what you knew or didn’t know at the time), as well as spiritual consequences, it’s still important to tell people they are doing wrong, if they happen to ask you or the subject comes up - you are doing them a favour, even if they don’t realize it at the time.

And if they stop doing harmful things to themselves out of a fear of Hell (since most young people think they are indestructible), then you may also be saving their physical lives, as well as their souls.

 

[PAboy57]

Hi Tell the Truth,

It is kind of you to step up and share the faith with fellow Catholics who are interested in learning and are looking for accurate information and help on the issues. Because you have educated Catholics regarding Church teaching they will be held more accountable going forward. I believe they also need time to absorb and fully understand what they have learned. People have to take our words and get it right in their minds. Hopefully someday they will be sharing just like you now. We all need to take advantage of these opportunities to help our brothers and sisters learn more. Holy Mother Church wants us to share the truth with everyone.

In fact the more we all learn about our faith the more serious our sinful actions become. New knowledge doesn’t impact past actions. But I know you had to give them something to think about. Also let them know how they can get their relationship with Jesus back on track – confession. Encourage them to also talk with their local priest and build a relationship. It is amazing how many people are uncomfortable or even afraid to sit down and talk openly with their priest. Everything and everyone would be so much better if all Catholics were discussing and learning the faith more fully and building relationships.

As far as people not baptized Catholic, they are in that group that is searching for someone to believe in. Can’t tell you how Jesus will judge but I’m sure He is happy that you are sharing the faith. So keep sharing that, “someone”, Jesus, the Good News and build wonderful relationships that also builds treasure in Heaven for you. This site is the best there is for learning our faith. I’m sure some of the more senior members will give you some feedback on this.

May God guide and Bless you abundantly.

 

[WarriorAngel]

A sin is mortal due to the intent to commit the sin…knowing it is mortal.

Finding out it is mortal is only mortal later IF the next time one decisively chooses to do it again

 

[vera_dicere]

A sin is mortal due to the intent to commit the sin…knowing it is mortal.

Finding out it is mortal is only mortal later IF the next time one decisively chooses to do it again

Yeah, one person in particular told me they intended to keepign doing the sin, even though they now knew the Church’s position on said sin - their argument was “There’s nothing wrong with my relationship with Jesus, He wouldn’t care I’m doing this”.

So, the first time he was doing said sin without knowledge it was wrong it wasn’t mortal, but now he has knowledge, any time he does it its mortal, which is what had me a tad worried that I had gone and made it worse for his soul - but then at the end of the day he has the knowledge and if he chooses to forgo that, its not really my problem is it, because I simply told the truth and am not the one making the choice.

Thanks for the answers to all in sundry. Its cleared things up a little more for me.

 

[Rence]

Perhaps it’s just me, but just because someone informs a person who habitually engages in an activity that the Church forbids about his or her sins, I don’t think it’s expected they just drop everything and cease their activity without understanding the ratinale behind the teaching. Maybe if information is provided to help them understand, the habit will gently grate on them and they will have a change of heart eventually. That said, I don’t think it’s as serious a sin for a person to continue in a forbidden activity as if one has full knowledge and understanding, when in fact, they don’t. Whereas, when on has full knowledge and understanding, I think it’s more serious an offense.

 

[Equites_Christi]

Sins are committed in time, and the three requirements for mortal sin must be present at that specific time; the later fulfillment of one of the requirements is not retroactive on the sin.

However, I have at times - albeit not very seriously - thought of letting someone ignorant of their sin keep on with it, since without that knowledge they are not sinning and they could still do the action.

But that would be evil on my part. We are to warn the sinner and instruct the ignorant, and eliminate sin however we can.

Pax
EC