Mortal or Venial?

[Hans_A]

I was watching a non-pornographic movie, which I had seen before. In it was a scene that had 4-5 shots of brief nudity and I remembered that it had such a scene. After the first shot of nudity, I rewound it to see the shot again. I did so out of curiosity as to how much was shown, instead of an intent to arouse. After seeing the entire scene I realized I should have just fast-forwarded through it. Believing I committed a venial sin, I have partaken in the Holy Eucharist. Since then I have been second-guessing myself.

Have I committed a mortal sin by viewing what is considered pornography (therefore committing mortal sin by also going to communion), or venial sin by viewing an image that is immodest?

Thank you,
Hans

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear Hans,

There is nothing evil about the appearance of the human body. If the site of a nude body becomes a temptation to sin, then one doesn’t look. You don’t mention that you found the scenes to be sexually stimulating for you. So why are you worried that you have sinned? If you were not aroused, I see no sin whatsoever.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.