Modesty & Near Occasion of Sin Questions

[Antonio5]

I have a few questions regarding modesty and near occasions of sin.

If you dress immodestly you can lead others into sin. But what if you dress immodestly in your own home can you still be an occasion of sin for others?

Regarding near occasions of sin:
If you are watching a program which causes you to become aroused if you don’t turn that program off are you committing a sin? Even if you don’t act upon that arousal?

If you happen to be watching a program in which lewd jokes and comments are made by the characters but you don’t laugh at them are you committing the sin of failing to avoid a near occasion of sin by not turning that program off even though you aren’t laughing at the lewd comments but there is a possibility you could?
An what if whilst you are watching that program someone walks in and starts finding amusement in those lewd jokes have you now a responsibility to turn that program off?

 

[humble_maid]

As one aspires to be truly devout in all sense of the word, you should avoid all things that are “unclean”. Holiness is our true path. Nothing else. Doing the will of God is our mission and purpose here on Earth; it is not one of frivolty but of nobility and dignity. So, yes you are committing a sin if you act upon a thought that is not according to God’s ways. Rest assured that you should not have to become scrupulous but just loving and attentive to God’s will. If you keep in mind the Lord on the Cross you will avoid these temptations.

I am guilty of some of those sins you mentioned. However, I am learning as I grow with the Grace of God. This Grace gives you strength to withstand and oppose such temptations and impure acts or immodesty. I once told two cousins of mine to stop their lewd jokes as it was not appropriate. They were not happy but I withstood and I still speak to them; they are more careful around me but they still do this with others.

Become strong in the Grace and Mercy of God. Holiness is our purpose. We cannot be lukewarm, nor can we become totally isolated from the world, but there are ways to handle each situation. Jesus will teach you.

 

[Fran65]

But what if you dress immodestly in your own home can you still be an occasion of sin for others?

Why would you? Unless it is in the context of a reinvigorating a loving marriage it is to be avoided.

If you are watching a program which causes you to become aroused if you don’t turn that program off are you committing a sin? Even if you don’t act upon that arousal??

Yes. Why put yourself in that position?

If you happen to be watching a program in which lewd jokes and comments are made by the characters but you don’t laugh at them are you committing the sin of failing to avoid a near occasion of sin by not turning that program off?

Yes. You are condoning that behaviour by watching it and listening to it.

An what if whilst you are watching that program someone walks in and starts finding amusement in those lewd jokes have you now a responsibility to turn that program off?

Yes. We should setting an example to others.

 

[Bookcat]

I have a few questions regarding modesty and near occasions of sin.

If you dress immodestly you can lead others into sin. But what if you dress immodestly in your own home can you still be an occasion of sin for others?

One would have to judge…at times perhaps (like when a guest arrives and you are there by yourself or if one has ones window shades open at night for the world to peer in)…at times no…it would of course depend too on what is meant

This section from the Catechism can be of help: vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P8R.HTM

Regarding near occasions of sin:
If you are watching a program which causes you to become aroused if you don’t turn that program off are you committing a sin? Even if you don’t act upon that arousal?

Again…it depends…for example some slight stirring or something that one does not consent to and is not actually a near occasion of sin is different then say getting aroused. One has to make a judgment.

Different persons have different sensitivity levels here…some get slightly aroused easy…some do not get so.

There is a difference between a temptation and consent.

Consent is key. One can sin internally via simply consenting.

One can also be tempted and not consent at all.

Note too that it may be that one is in a near occasion (which can even be sinful to remain in without good reason…but some even then are out of our control…I speak here in general…) or the show should simply not be watched due to the content…etc etc…

But just cause say for example something caught you off guard and your body reacted with arousal…but one say turned away and did not consent etc…there may be no sin at all. Just an automatic thing…and temptation. But if something is “really arousing” then that is likely at least a near occasion of sin…and it can be sinful to keep doing it (though not always). It depends on what is meant.

Also remember concupscience is a real reality…so one needs a good amount of “reasonable” care in this area. But not undue fear.

You have to judge.

Perhaps speak with your confessor if you have one…he will know you…

If you happen to be watching a program in which lewd jokes and comments are made by the characters but you don’t laugh at them are you committing the sin of failing to avoid a near occasion of sin by not turning that program off even though you aren’t laughing at the lewd comments but there is a possibility you could?

I would of course think…should I watch this show? But yes such is peppered throughout our entertainment world. It can be reasonable (one makes a judgment) to watch a certain show one foresees will have a few bad jokes in it…to enjoy the other. Of course one has to be aware of others present…like children…and bring that into consideration too. (And also know that sometimes a lewd joke causes a moment of involuntary laughter…if such is involuntary so just compose yourself as one can…)…But again…use reasonable Christian discernment in watching what one watches (which is not to mean it has to be G rated cartoon …(but there is much out there that I would not watch personally and find offensive and annoying) …Think of the early Christians who lived differently than the culture around them…avoiding the evil entertainment …yet otherwise lived with them in love.

Now if something really is a near occasion to say mortal sin…then of course one avoids such.

An what if whilst you are watching that program someone walks in and starts finding amusement in those lewd jokes have you now a responsibility to turn that program off?

There is much to consider there…is it your tv? is it your kids? etc…one has to handle it with prudence …one could comment perhaps --why do they have to say things like that on the show …one could seek another show…etc It is a judgment call.

Also note…ones confessor who knows you can advise one as well.

It is important too to note that a* near occasion of sin *(sin - often referring to mortal sin when this phrase is used…) is not just any temptation. It is something or someone that usually leads one to consent to sin…something that would generally cause one to fall (one could say it in other ways but that is the jist) etc Some are near occasions for most people (given their nature) others are specific to a person (given his nature or past).

Temptations are all around. Only some are near occasions for mortal sin. It is important yes to live a Christian life and avoid sin…and live virtue. It is also important to not overly stress either about a temptation that may come. One seeks to follow Christ and make prudent and good judgments…praying, receiving the Sacraments, living according to the Teachings of the Church, in love and joy.

Keep following Christ!

 

[Catholic90]

If you dress immodestly you can lead others into sin. But what if you dress immodestly in your own home can you still be an occasion of sin for others?

It totally depends on who is in your home with you.

If one is home by oneself and everyone is gone for the night, all blinds are closed, and no one can see in, one can certainly walk through a house wearing nothing, if they so choose. Or underwear. You get the idea. No one else is going to see them.

A married couple likewise can choose to be in whatever state of dress or undress each is comfortable with. If one gets aroused, they are married, so, let nature take its course, as it were. DH often liked to lay on the couch in front of the TV in his underwear late at night. Big deal.

 

[Antonio5]

Thank’s for the answers just another question:
If you see a woman with a very short skirt or wearing revealing clothing can you deem what she is wearing to be inappropriate or would this be pure judging?

 

[Bookcat]

Thank’s for the answers just another question:
If you see a woman with a very short skirt or wearing revealing clothing can you deem what she is wearing to be inappropriate or would this be pure judging?

To judge that something is immodest is not “judging” in the sinful sense.

To call a spade a spade is just that.

To judge that XYZ (the thing or action itself) should not be done…is different than judging the person …

Now there can be perhaps different “judgments” as to what is immodest etc I may think it is immodest and say another may think it is on the edge but not immodest etc.

But take care in assuming as true without say the evidence or good reason…her moral fault. Seek to give the benefit of the doubt.

We need to try to “interpret” as possible others “thoughts, words, and deeds in a favorable way”.

Which does not mean either that we just “trust everyone” blindly…we need also be circumspect and prudent…for there are those out there who do not seek ones good.

 

[Joan1969]

I have a few questions regarding modesty and near occasions of sin.

If you dress immodestly you can lead others into sin. But what if you dress immodestly in your own home can you still be an occasion of sin for others?

Regarding near occasions of sin:
If you are watching a program which causes you to become aroused if you don’t turn that program off are you committing a sin? Even if you don’t act upon that arousal?

If you happen to be watching a program in which lewd jokes and comments are made by the characters but you don’t laugh at them are you committing the sin of failing to avoid a near occasion of sin by not turning that program off even though you aren’t laughing at the lewd comments but there is a possibility you could?
An what if whilst you are watching that program someone walks in and starts finding amusement in those lewd jokes have you now a responsibility to turn that program off?

Hi Antonio,

It’s not possible to sin by simply revealing body areas while alone. After all, we need to dress, take showers etc. Some may just be more comforatble wearing very little, but since most of us are living with others there is a modesty that pertains to that, often having more to do with appropriateness, example and good taste than avoiding arousal (like how I dress around my small children).

To wear provocative clothing, except in the context of a marriage, has no legitimate point, and only feeds the desire to dress that way for others.

I would strongly say that lewd or sexually oriented programs should be avoided regardless of your reaction. What we put in our minds has its impact, and we don’t need to feel a strong reaction at the moment. We might even be disgusted at some of the material, but it is still there in our minds, and is changing our view of what is normal. Find uplifting materials of many different forms, including books, and do other activities as well. That will take up all your free time anyway. It can absolutely be a sin to seek out arousing media, even if there is no explicit outward “reaction”. It can also be sinful to be passive or unconcerned about how provocative our media decisions are. We need to seek out what is good, and avoid (actively) what is bad.

God Bless,
Joan