My evil temptation

[Kalos]

1 corinthians 6:10
No, sin’s still a problem. That’s why He died for us.

Timbo, you are still relating to God under the Old Covenant. The New is vastly greater. The Bible says Christ died for me when I was yet an enemy. Col. 1:20 says, “And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile ALL things…”(emphasis mine). Now, yes it is true that sinners are still lost, but not because they are sinners. It is because they are disbelievers. St. Paul says “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” (Gal.3:22)

In the New Covenant, the playing field has been leveled. All are under sin so that we understand our need for a savior. It is no longer a question of law but of belief.

 

[dmfette]

Timbo, you are still relating to God under the Old Covenant. The New is vastly greater. The Bible says Christ died for me when I was yet an enemy. Col. 1:20 says, “And having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile ALL things…”(emphasis mine). Now, yes it is true that sinners are still lost, but not because they are sinners. It is because they are disbelievers. St. Paul says “But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.” (Gal.3:22)

In the New Covenant, the playing field has been leveled. All are under sin so that we understand our need for a savior. It is no longer a question of law but of belief.

…peace be with you…really…

…i do not understand…if i sin, is this evidence that i do not truly believe in Christ?..that i am a “disbeliever”?..and what of sins of omission?..if i fail to do the “Christian” thing in a given circumstance - for instance, failing to give attention/alms to a child-relief organization’s call for donations during a television commercial, choosing instead, to change the channel to watch texas tech whoop tail on florida state in college football - does this qualify as sin and/or evidence of disbelief, perhaps lip-service if i claim to be Christian?..do my actions/inactions in matters of faith/morality/ethics serve as evidence of anything at all?..is conviction alone, without harmony in action, truly enough…i have read, “…by their fruits you shall know them…”…also, why did Jesus say to that poor sinner he saved, “…go forth and sin no more…” and instead instruct, “…believe in me and give no care to sin…”…did the spirits in league with the enemy of mankind earn entrance into heaven as they proclaimed, in truth, their knowledge/understanding of Christ and his station as Messiah and Son of God?..if what you say is truth, i truly do not understand it - i am doomed (or blessed perhaps, depending on the point of view) therefore to continue to feel compunction and regret for my sins, seek forgiveness of sin through confession, and make reparation for my sins and avoid them as best as i can, knowing full well that even under the best of circumstances, such action in and of itself alone would be like that of “…a worthless servant…”…too, i must hope in the Mercy of the Lord, His Love and Goodness even though i am not deserving of these Divine gifts…there are two great sins, according to my understanding, that i must avoid with great attention: the sin of despair and that of presumption…the Truth of hope/faith takes care of one - the Truth in the practice of humility and penitence in the other… outside of these two great sins, every day, and in many ways great and small, i continue to struggle and fail - often- …really…

…if i am wrong in these beliefs, i suppose i am wrong Big time…it appears i cannot help it - it is written in my heart and soul…

…peace—>mark

 

[Secret_Square]

The basic question being asked by the OP here is whether responding to a forum question in a sarcastic or flippant manner is a sin, and if so, is it a sin even to entertain the IDEA of doing so.

It’s difficult if not impossible to determine with certainty the EXACT degree of sinfulness involved in every sarcastic or ironic or joking response to a serious question. The intent may be to inject a sense of humor or proportion into a discussion that seems to be making a mountain out of a molehill. (Most of us would regard as ridiculous the very idea of God sending someone to hell for complaining about how their mother was dressed.) Sometimes it works and everyone lightens up a bit.

Other times, however, such a response may cause emotional distress or worry to the questioner, particularly if they have tendencies to scrupulosity, take things personally, or if they have a difficult time telling when someone is kidding or being serious (I used to be like this).

Since one cannot be sure how the questioner will react, I would say that charity recommends that you NOT respond sarcastically or flippantly. If you do, however, it’s probably a venial sin in most cases.

It would only be a mortal sin if you KNEW who the original questioner was, you KNEW they were so scrupulous or oversensitive that your response would probably cause them to be upset for days or weeks, yet went ahead and did it anyway because you did not care whether they were hurt, or thought they deserved it.

As for whether “just thinking” about doing it is sinful, I would say no, that is simply a temptation and if you do not act on it, it does not become sin. If you find yourself being constantly tempted to respond to people in a sarcastic manner, you might want to mention that to a confessor or spiritual director, or pray about it, even if it doesn’t cross the line into being actual sin.

 

[John92]

OP are you even serious?

Most women care about how they look (heck most people in general do), to say “oh you might want to change out of that it doesn’t look good on you” to your mother as her daughter is not a mortal sin. Also there’s a big difference between wanting to look “good” and dressing in such a way as to draw attention.

We’re Catholics not Puritans. We’re Catholics not Puritans. We’re Catholics not Puritans.

Honestly sometimes I find really good constructive posts on this board but a lot of you need to step back and get some damn perspective. Your scrupulosity does more harm than good. Lots of reverts and converts come here, get a weird idea about what Catholicism is, and ultimately fall away because they don’t want to live joyless lives spent constantly worrying about every little thought that pops into the head.

 

[Joe_Brown]

OP are you even serious?

Most women care about how they look (heck most people in general do), to say “oh you might want to change out of that it doesn’t look good on you” to your mother as her daughter is not a mortal sin. Also there’s a big difference between wanting to look “good” and dressing in such a way as to draw attention.

We’re Catholics not Puritans. We’re Catholics not Puritans. We’re Catholics not Puritans.

Honestly sometimes I find really good constructive posts on this board but a lot of you need to step back and get some damn perspective. Your scrupulosity does more harm than good. Lots of reverts and converts come here, get a weird idea about what Catholicism is, and ultimately fall away because they don’t want to live joyless lives spent constantly worrying about every little thought that pops into the head.

He is just asking a question, that’s what this site is for.

I think it is good to ask questions. Just ask the right person.

I went through scruples also and I found help here by asking… yes, stupid questions. You cant just tell them to loose their scruples. It would be good if it did work like that

 

[Prodigal_Son]

OP are you even serious?

Actually, no.

I felt awful when people took my post seriously, and then I just kind of hid my head in a corner. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, everybody.

Honestly sometimes I find really good constructive posts on this board but a lot of you need to step back and get some damn perspective. Your scrupulosity does more harm than good. Lots of reverts and converts come here, get a weird idea about what Catholicism is, and ultimately fall away because they don’t want to live joyless lives spent constantly worrying about every little thought that pops into the head.

Yeah, actually, scrupulosity has not been my struggle. I’ve spent most of my life as an accomplished sinner, and now I’m in recovery. Unfortunately, I have a vicious streak in my sense of humor.

For the record, I did honestly wonder if I was sinning, but I didn’t feel any temptation to judge myself for such a sin.

 

[Joe_Brown]

Ok, we will pray for you

God Bless!

 

[littleone]

OP are you even serious?
Most women care about how they look (heck most people in general do), to say “oh you might want to change out of that it doesn’t look good on you” to your mother as her daughter is not a mortal sin. Also there’s a big difference between wanting to look “good” and dressing in such a way as to draw attention.We’re Catholics not Puritans. We’re Catholics not Puritans. We’re Catholics not Puritans.Honestly sometimes I find really good constructive posts on this board but a lot of you need to step back and get some damn perspective. Your scrupulosity does more harm than good. Lots of reverts and converts come here, get a weird idea about what Catholicism is, and ultimately fall away because they don’t want to live joyless lives spent constantly worrying about every little thought that pops into the head.

***Brother your writing seems possibly to tell a reader that you have some information maybe some knowledge. To that we are told to relate God’s “MERCY” to our sharing or teaching and soften our tones. We should remember that the Bible tells us that “one person has much grace or many gifts while others some or little”. It is those who have been given much that much will be expected of them, (James 3:5). That is why the greatest gift God has given us in His love is “mercy”.

Peace Brother,
God bless***

 

[littleone]

Actually, no.

I felt awful when people took my post seriously, and then I just kind of hid my head in a corner. I’m sorry for the misunderstanding, everybody.

Yeah, actually, scrupulosity has not been my struggle. I’ve spent most of my life as an accomplished sinner, and now I’m in recovery. Unfortunately, I have a vicious streak in my sense of humor.

For the record, I did honestly wonder if I was sinning, but I didn’t feel any temptation to judge myself for such a sin.

***Be at peace, for the greatest sinner is the person who says they do not sin for that in itself is a sin.How many other sins come from pride? you are no different to others have peace.
Smile enjoy the sun from the Son. Love all God has given you, share it in every way you can, Love Love Love.

God bless ***

 

[John92]

***Brother your writing seems possibly to tell a reader that you have some information maybe some knowledge. To that we are told to relate God’s “MERCY” to our sharing or teaching and soften our tones. We should remember that the Bible tells us that “one person has much grace or many gifts while others some or little”. It is those who have been given much that much will be expected of them, (James 3:5). That is why the greatest gift God has given us in His love is “mercy”.

Peace Brother,
God bless***

Sorry but sometimes some harshness is necessary. Also sorry OP for misunderstanding you. But I still stand by what I said re: scrupulosity.

I know of three cases in which people have been scared away from the faith by reading this forum.

 

[littleone]

Sorry but sometimes some harshness is necessary. Also sorry OP for misunderstanding you. But I still stand by what I said re: scrupulosity.

I know of three cases in which people have been scared away from the faith by reading this forum.

*You may be right however, lets look at James 3 ;5 “Brothers not many of you are called to be preachers for those who are the judgment is very severe”. Remember the three seeds and where they fell, we are not called to their judgment but to love and show mercy For this reason the rest of us should tone in such a way that we are speaking to Jesus and expect the answer we would get from saying those same words to Him. *
I work with youth at risk and toning is the key relation in mercy, which is how Jesus would relate.
Peace Brother
God bless

 

[fbl9]

At least i learned something about myself here…that i am impatient and prideful,due to my leaning towards sacrasm…i know for sure that i am impatient,prideful well no/yes
Like the op i am sometimes tempted to answer in a sarcastist way to some posts on this site…i do enjoy sacrams as a brand of humour but like others said it is something that can best be shared by those whom know each other.Otherwise it send the wrong message sometimes.