K
KindredSoul
Guest
This has been of interest to me, so I figured the good folks here at CAF might be able to help me out…
Where in the scheme of sin do stray thoughts fit? Let’s say the vivid thought/image/sensation randomly pops into your head of committing some immoral deed (maybe gravely immoral or deeply disordered), or perhaps some thought/image/sensation that borders on blasphemy (or even is blasphemous) pops up…
Furthermore, consider that the thought may very well be attractive in some way to the one thinking it…and perhaps the person triggered the thought himself/herself, though not intending to do so. Or maybe the person deliberately did something once upon a time that made such stray thoughts begin–much like alcoholism often leaves its mark forever, sometimes sin can be the same…
BUT–and this is the qualifier–the one plagued by such a thought either immediately dismisses it or tries to, acknowledging the whole time the wrongfulness of such thoughts…what if, in spite of the person’s efforts, the thought persists, much like wishing away a sight right in front of you won’t make it disappear?
Finally, my question: Is there any sin committed here? Even venial? Would there be any reason whatsoever to confess this in Confession other than just for help in making it go away (i.e. is it actually a sin, thus for which it would be proper to seek forgiveness or just a flaw for which you might seek council but don’t have to)? Please take all the conditions I stated above into account, because it’s important that I know just how responsible/guilty the person involved is.
Please, as many views as I can get would be appreciable; I want to get a real sense of what a good, solid Catholic outlook is on this (it’s a bit too complex to ask on the Ask An Apologist forum, or I’d ask there).
Thanks!
Where in the scheme of sin do stray thoughts fit? Let’s say the vivid thought/image/sensation randomly pops into your head of committing some immoral deed (maybe gravely immoral or deeply disordered), or perhaps some thought/image/sensation that borders on blasphemy (or even is blasphemous) pops up…
Furthermore, consider that the thought may very well be attractive in some way to the one thinking it…and perhaps the person triggered the thought himself/herself, though not intending to do so. Or maybe the person deliberately did something once upon a time that made such stray thoughts begin–much like alcoholism often leaves its mark forever, sometimes sin can be the same…
BUT–and this is the qualifier–the one plagued by such a thought either immediately dismisses it or tries to, acknowledging the whole time the wrongfulness of such thoughts…what if, in spite of the person’s efforts, the thought persists, much like wishing away a sight right in front of you won’t make it disappear?
Finally, my question: Is there any sin committed here? Even venial? Would there be any reason whatsoever to confess this in Confession other than just for help in making it go away (i.e. is it actually a sin, thus for which it would be proper to seek forgiveness or just a flaw for which you might seek council but don’t have to)? Please take all the conditions I stated above into account, because it’s important that I know just how responsible/guilty the person involved is.
Please, as many views as I can get would be appreciable; I want to get a real sense of what a good, solid Catholic outlook is on this (it’s a bit too complex to ask on the Ask An Apologist forum, or I’d ask there).
Thanks!