O
Oshiego_Rod
Guest
Is it appropriate or advisable for someone in a state of mortal sin to share his thoughts regarding the scriptures or to teach others?
- Status
A
AlanFromWichita
Guest
share thoughts, yes. it may help.
teach others, very risky especially if one is having a problem. those who presume to be teachers are held to a higher standard by God so if you aren’t in the right mind to teach, it is best to err on the side of not, I’d think.
of course, I presume to teach all the time so take my opinion FWIW.
Alan
teach others, very risky especially if one is having a problem. those who presume to be teachers are held to a higher standard by God so if you aren’t in the right mind to teach, it is best to err on the side of not, I’d think.
of course, I presume to teach all the time so take my opinion FWIW.
Alan
F
Feanaro_s_Wife
Guest
I think it really depends on the situation.
For example, if a priest is in a state of mortal sin, but continues to teach the faithful in a manner consistent with Church teachings, then the teaching is valid.
It also makes a big difference if the people or person being taught knows that the teacher is in a state of mortal sin. While it does not change the validity of the teaching, it can definitely change the perception of the people/person being taught.
Then there would be the case of a person in a state of mortal sin teaching things that are contrary to the faith in order to justify their own sin.
Malia
For example, if a priest is in a state of mortal sin, but continues to teach the faithful in a manner consistent with Church teachings, then the teaching is valid.
It also makes a big difference if the people or person being taught knows that the teacher is in a state of mortal sin. While it does not change the validity of the teaching, it can definitely change the perception of the people/person being taught.
Then there would be the case of a person in a state of mortal sin teaching things that are contrary to the faith in order to justify their own sin.
Malia
M
m134e5
Guest
Oshiego Rod:
People in a state of mortal sin lose sanctifying grace- not their understanding of the truth- or their communication skills. If I commit a mortal sin, I’m not going to stop praying or sharing my faith until I make it to confession- that could be a week or more away, and there may be a person who needs to hear the Gospel before then who I won’t have the chance to share it with after I go to confession (like if it’s just a stranger and I’ll never see them again). A person in a state of mortal sin who is serious about their faith will go to confession as soon as humanly possible after committing it- but that doesn’t mean they can’t share their faith with others until they’ve gone to confession.
M
m134e5
Guest
Feanaro's Wife:
This is different- a priest is not to celebrate Mass while in a state of mortal sin. The priest should make time to go to confession first. If he is in a situation where there are no other priests close by, for example- missionary work- the congregation he is responsible for should be able to have communion services or something until another priest can be found to heard the priest’s confession. This would not prevent a priest from hearing a person’s confession or baptizing at the moment of death- if the sacrament is valid, and the person receiving it wants to receive it, it is ALWAYS best to give them the Sacraments.
P
Pug
Guest
Oshiego Rod:
Sometimes a person in a state of mortal sin has also lost the gift of faith. I don’t think it would be advisable to engage in certain sorts of religious teaching if one suspects a lack of the gift of faith. However, I see no reason to think the person must never mention their thoughts about scripture!
Also, if we take the concept of mortal sin at face value, the person lacks supernatural charity. I think kids have great hypocrisy/sincerity radar. They might pick it up somehow. I’m not saying a science teacher has to report in sick that week! Gee, what a nightmare for teachers everywhere.
Sometimes a person in a state of mortal sin has also lost the gift of faith. I don’t think it would be advisable to engage in certain sorts of religious teaching if one suspects a lack of the gift of faith. However, I see no reason to think the person must never mention their thoughts about scripture!Also, if we take the concept of mortal sin at face value, the person lacks supernatural charity. I think kids have great hypocrisy/sincerity radar. They might pick it up somehow. I’m not saying a science teacher has to report in sick that week! Gee, what a nightmare for teachers everywhere.
F
Feanaro_s_Wife
Guest
I know he is not supposed to…but I’m talking about if he does.
Malia
J
JimG
Guest
Mortal sin takes away sanctifying grace, not knowledge or speaking ability. One shouldn’t refrain from preaching if that’s what’s required. It might even help the state of his soul. His own preaching could bring him to repentance.
P
puzzleannie
Guest
If I were to pose the question asked by OP, I could only be referring to myself. There is no way for me to know if another individual, who is exercising a teaching or preaching office in the Church, is in a state of mortal sin. If I have a responsibility to teach, even if I do fall into a state of sin, that does not excuse me from carrying out my responsibility. Needless to say I am also obliged to repent, confess at the earliest opportunity and try to amend my life.
G
Genesis315
Guest
Oshiego Rod:
In fact, you could tell people how bad it feels to be in such a state. Then, you can teach by example as you head off to confession:thumbsup:
As long as whatever it is you say is still in line with the Truth, you’re good to go.
In fact, you could tell people how bad it feels to be in such a state. Then, you can teach by example as you head off to confession:thumbsup:
O
Oshiego_Rod
Guest
Thank you all for your answers. It has helped me a great deal. Maybe that’s why emphasize Confession so much when I share my thoughts.
- Status