Need some clarification and advice...Please help!

[timeandeternity]

Tonight I was talking with a pro-life friend who uses Chase bank, and mentioned that I was boycotting the bank because it supports Planned Parenthood. She was surprised, and said that she wished she would have known sooner so that she could’ve used a different bank. I then said that there’s a certain limit to how much you can boycott–implying that it wasn’t a big deal, she should just keep her Chase account, etc. Now I have no idea how to mention that it would be a good thing for her to close her account so as not to allow any of her money to go to PP. Any advice?

I also have another question which I’ve never gotten a straight answer to: When does a situation in which one is *involuntarily *stimulated become serious matter? For ex., sometimes a person can be involuntarily stimulated by something as innocent as a gentle breeze, which I’m assuming wouldn’t be at all sinful. However, say a person was watching a movie containing a romantic (but not impure) scene, or an attractive actor/actress, and this causes him/her to become stimulated. If the stimulation is unwanted, and an actual fall into sin is unlikely, is it gravely wrong to continue watching? Would it be gravely wrong to enjoy seeing the romantic scene or the actor/actress when the person knows that this is causing them to become stimulated?
I’m sorry this was so long…

 

[John_Russell_Jr]

Tonight I was talking with a pro-life friend who uses Chase bank, and mentioned that I was boycotting the bank because it supports Planned Parenthood. She was surprised, and said that she wished she would have known sooner so that she could’ve used a different bank. I then said that there’s a certain limit to how much you can boycott–implying that it wasn’t a big deal, she should just keep her Chase account, etc. Now I have no idea how to mention that it would be a good thing for her to close her account so as not to allow any of her money to go to PP. Any advice?

I also have another question which I’ve never gotten a straight answer to: When does a situation in which one is *involuntarily *stimulated become serious matter? For ex., sometimes a person can be involuntarily stimulated by something as innocent as a gentle breeze, which I’m assuming wouldn’t be at all sinful. However, say a person was watching a movie containing a romantic (but not impure) scene, or an attractive actor/actress, and this causes him/her to become stimulated. If the stimulation is unwanted, and an actual fall into sin is unlikely, is it gravely wrong to continue watching? Would it be gravely wrong to enjoy seeing the romantic scene or the actor/actress when the person knows that this is causing them to become stimulated?
I’m sorry this was so long…

… my dear friend …

… about the bank - i think there all hopeless myself , so what can you do , about stimulation - this is normal for human beings but has been a bit twisted by a fallen human nature , if the stimulation causes sin or is likely to cause sin it must be avoided at all costs as an occasion of sin , if the stimulation one experiences is what is called normal that is , if you have very excessive abnormal experiences of stimulation then some exposure to fairly normal stimulation even if it leads to sin is ok and there would be no sin , you can have grave reasons that require exposure to massive stimulation eg . a doctor examining others , a censor rating movies and so on , it is not so clear cut , it is best to talk to your confessor / priest / spiritual director when in doubt , can i recommend this book on moral theology that will answer all your questions amazon.com/Moral-Theology-Heribert-Jone/dp/0895554720/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287037313&sr=1-5 the prices quoted here are a joke - but its a classic and i bought one years ago for a normal price - perhaps search the web or second hand book stores - catholic and others for a reasonable price - they are a joke here $500 for one

… god bless you …

… john …

 

[Totterman]

Jesus,our Lords peace be whit You.
I live in Finland,and can’t comment on the “bank question”,all I can say is that I honestly don’t think about things like that choosing services,I maybe should but…
The other question however wos a good one,off course,the ansver is in the Bible,once again. By reading the Bible You will find the ansver,but this time I ansver You,hoping You will read the Bible every day. If a movie,or anything like it,makes You feel,uh…thinking about sex,bad choise of words but could not find a better line,You are not do a sin as suchs,but You need to keep an eye on Yourself,I live in celibacy due to my faith,and in the begining,I wos married once,it is hard.and sometimes it still is,but I have a secret “weapon” for it,Hail Mary. I simply pray,and it works,every singel time. And of course,maybe it would be good to choose what You read or watch. And remember to read the Bible and the Cathechism,all is those two books.

 

[St_Francis]

… my dear friend …
can i recommend this book on moral theology that will answer all your questions amazon.com/Moral-Theology-Heribert-Jone/dp/0895554720/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1287037313&sr=1-5 the prices quoted here are a joke - but its a classic and i bought one years ago for a normal price - perhaps search the web or second hand book stores - catholic and others for a reasonable price - they are a joke here $500 for one …

Starting at $15 is much more reasonable! The ones at Amazon might be antiques or something.

 

[St_Francis]

Tonight I was talking with a pro-life friend who uses Chase bank, and mentioned that I was boycotting the bank because it supports Planned Parenthood. She was surprised, and said that she wished she would have known sooner so that she could’ve used a different bank. I then said that there’s a certain limit to how much you can boycott–implying that it wasn’t a big deal, she should just keep her Chase account, etc. Now I have no idea how to mention that it would be a good thing for her to close her account so as not to allow any of her money to go to PP. Any advice?

This would be remote cooperation, and so not sinful, and probably the bank is not getting enough money from your friend to make that much of a difference. Don’t worry about it.

I also have another question which I’ve never gotten a straight answer to: When does a situation in which one is *involuntarily *stimulated become serious matter? For ex., sometimes a person can be involuntarily stimulated by something as innocent as a gentle breeze, which I’m assuming wouldn’t be at all sinful. However, say a person was watching a movie containing a romantic (but not impure) scene, or an attractive actor/actress, and this causes him/her to become stimulated. If the stimulation is unwanted, and an actual fall into sin is unlikely, is it gravely wrong to continue watching? Would it be gravely wrong to enjoy seeing the romantic scene or the actor/actress when the person knows that this is causing them to become stimulated?
I’m sorry this was so long…

Temptations are like someone knocking at your door, sin is when you invite them in and entertain them. (I read that somewhere, but forgot where). Pray for help in gently turning your mind away from them and don’t get upset with yourself. Check out Spiritual Combat by Scupoli for help in these matters.

 

[puzzleannie]

TNow I have no idea how to mention that it would be a good thing for her to close her account so as not to allow any of her money to go to PP. Any advice?

I.

I would not mention it all unless she asks for specific advice, and I would not offer specific advice to anyone on where to bank unless I was in possession of all the relevant facts about her financial situation and the relative merits of the banks involved. I would specifically make no suggestion about a boycott of banks unless I could prove beyond a doubt the alternative bank does not also support PP or other immoral outlets. I doubt very much you could find a bank who itself, or the entity who owns it, does not support PP. I would also tell anyone, when discussing the general topic of boycotting businesses because of a moral principle, that the gesture is useless and futile unless you are prepared to impart your reasons to those in management who made the decision to which you object.