Question about confessions and communion

[nerdwriter]

I have a quick questions about confession and communion.

First off, is dowloading mp3s without paying for them (using peer-to-peer technology or search engines that allow you look for music to download) considered a sin? I mainly get my music from iTunes and amazon (paid) but sometimes (more often in the past than in recent time), I’ve used those methods to get my music because either those songs I was looking for weren’t available or because I didn’t know it might be considered a sin (wouldn’t have done it if I thought/knew it was).

Also, if it IS a sin, and if I didn’t confess it today when I went to confessions, can I receive communion tomorrow or do I have to wait until I confess it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[canne]

I suppose it would be stealing…so that about says it all. Also I think file sharing is kinda risky, unless you are very sure there is no threat to your computer.

 

[nerdwriter]

So is it considered a sin even though I was completely oblivious to the fact? Can I still receive communion tomorrow?

 

[Lee_M]

In order for it to be a mortal sin, you have to be aware that it is a sin. If you thought that you was doing nothing wrong at the time, then it wouldn’t be a mortal sin. If your conscience was telling you that illegal file sharing was stealing and wrong and you did it anyway, then it would be a sin. Again, if you wasn’t aware that illegal file sharing wasn’t stealing, then it is not considered a mortal sin and you can take the eucharist tomorrow.

 

[Tietjen]

In order for it to be a mortal sin, you have to be aware that it is a sin. If you thought that you was doing nothing wrong at the time, then it wouldn’t be a mortal sin. If your conscience was telling you that illegal file sharing was stealing and wrong and you did it anyway, then it would be a sin. Again, if you wasn’t aware that illegal file sharing wasn’t stealing, then it is not considered a mortal sin and you can take the eucharist tomorrow.

Hmmm… I am simply wondering whether this would be a grave sin to begin with. Certainly it can be considered a venial sin, but does downloading a song off the internet w/o paying for it amount to grave matter? If it does not, then Holy Communion is still available. If in fact it is considered grave, then perhaps the OP should seek out Confession prior to receiving.

Speaking for myself here… I have always had a difficult time determining what is and is not grave matter. Obviously, things like murder, adultery, etc are easy to pick out. However, I have been told that sometimes stealing is venial and sometimes it is mortal. For example, I have been told that stealing a dollar from a millionaire would be considered a venial sin since the millionaire would not be effected in the slightest. However, stealing a dollar from someone who was destitute would be considered a mortal sin since it would effect him or her to a great degree. In addition, stealing an apple from a fruit stand because you have no money and have not eaten in several days would not be considered grave matter. Lying is another sin that can be mortal or venial depnding on the circumstances.

Therefore, I guess my question is would it be considered grave matter if you downloaded a song and not paid some record company $0.99? I believe that regardless it is a sin, but does it actually rise to the level of being a mortal sin. I am leaning toward “no” on this one, but as I said earlier, I often find it difficult to determine what is and what is not “grave matter.” Any thoughts? God bless all.

 

[michaeldaniels]

Whether or not those acts constitute a sin, I am not sure…but by the way you have stated your question and the fact you are uncertain, I would say with great confidence you have come no where close to meeting the 3 conditions for a mortal sin, and you can receive Communion…it was venial at best.

I have a quick questions about confession and communion.

First off, is dowloading mp3s without paying for them (using peer-to-peer technology or search engines that allow you look for music to download) considered a sin? I mainly get my music from iTunes and amazon (paid) but sometimes (more often in the past than in recent time), I’ve used those methods to get my music because either those songs I was looking for weren’t available or because I didn’t know it might be considered a sin (wouldn’t have done it if I thought/knew it was).

Also, if it IS a sin, and if I didn’t confess it today when I went to confessions, can I receive communion tomorrow or do I have to wait until I confess it?

Thanks in advance.

 

[nerdwriter]

Thank you all for your replies. I will talk to the priest on Saturday, when I go to confessions, and ask if it was a venial or mortal sin when I confess.