Mortal sin and full knowledge

[thistle]

Of course it matters. We must always remember that there is an intrinsic level of morality attached to every human act. If we forget this, it becomes easy to fall into subjectivism.

I don’t agree. If the result of any act is mortal sin then its irrelevant how it came about.

 

[mommamaree]

This is a very interesting thread!

A related question might be: if a person has taken the time to read examinations of conscience and theological writings and has concluded that something is not sinful, and so they commit an act, thinking they are not sinning, but afterwards they doubt and must constantly seek reassurance that they have not sinned, but cannot figure out how to confess it truthfully (due to their emotional turmoil and doubt, despite having been informed that something is not sinful)…is that an example of scrupulosity?

Does anyone know the answer to this related question?

 

[Bookcat]

This is a very interesting thread!

A related question might be: if a person has taken the time to read examinations of conscience and theological writings and has concluded that something is not sinful, and so they commit an act, thinking they are not sinning, but afterwards they doubt and must constantly seek reassurance that they have not sinned, but cannot figure out how to confess it truthfully (due to their emotional turmoil and doubt, despite having been informed that something is not sinful)…is that an example of scrupulosity?

Does anyone know the answer to this related question?

Yes that sounds like a scruple. Such may be transient. Or it may be more of a difficulty. It could be a scruple in one area only. There are various degrees and kinds. And as I noted it may not yet be “scrupulosity” but something transient. A confessor can advise.

A person with scrupulosity --ought to have a* “regular confessor” *who can direct them --and even give them some general principles to follow -to apply (for them due to their particular scruples -they are usually not for those with a normal conscience).

For they can be in a rather different boat than others. They with the direction of their confessor and the principles given - then act contrary to their scruples - ignore them -(or using the older language -despise them), dismiss them–following that direction and the principles given. Acting contrary to what is not really their conscience so much as is unfounded fears. Such is a large key in the age old approach in the Church for scruples.

It is important for you to get such a regular confessor who can know you and your difficulties and guide you.

Scruples like to “nag”. One instead listens to ones confessor “no that is not a sin” and does as he directs one - to act against such a scruple. Ignoring it.

Someone has a scruple about Y and the confessor direct them to do Y and “You will not sin.” So the person does so. And though they feel not good -they know they are not sinning and overcoming their scruple. Key is to have a confessor who knows one and can direct one accordingly. Following his direction. Ignoring thoughts or feelings to the contrary. For ones own compass is out of sorts. Such as I noted is the age old practice in the Church (following his direction unless it is “manifest sin” -like he tells you it is ok to murder your friend or you contraception…)

Now some persons also struggle with OCD in this - so in that case further professional assistance (I recall CA staff suggesting catholictherapists.com so I kept that for those in need of such).

 

[EPR_97]

I have a question, Dose a person have to give go through the thought posses of “Yes this is a mortal sin, but I want to do it anyway”, or if it is on the spur of the moment, caving in to a sudden temptation for example, dose that still make it a mortal sin?

-E

 

[WingsOfEagles]

I have a question, Dose a person have to give go through the thought posses of “Yes this is a mortal sin, but I want to do it anyway”, or if it is on the spur of the moment, caving in to a sudden temptation for example, dose that still make it a mortal sin?

-E

It’d be more a malicious “I’m going so sin because I don’t care what God thinks.” That would be a mortal sin. Not succeeding in resisting temptation is not a sin by itself (though the action may be).

 

[Bookcat]

I have a question, Dose a person have to give go through the thought posses of “Yes this is a mortal sin, but I want to do it anyway”, or if it is on the spur of the moment, caving in to a sudden temptation for example, dose that still make it a mortal sin?

-E

There needs to be the needed knowledge and deliberate consent. But one does not have to form those words in ones mind.