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beckie_clark
Guest
how do I tell if a sin is mortal or venial?
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CommonWeal
Guest
The easy answer from the Catechism of the Catholic Church: CCC 1849-1864.
The probing answer from the Summa Theologiae, I-II, Q.88.
The thorough answer from the Catholic Encyclopedia.
My answer:
Mortal sin = something really, really bad, that you knew was bad but did anyway, and will take you to hell unless you are sincerely sorry for doing it, resolve not to do it again, confess to a priest that you did it, and receive God’s forgiveness.
Venial sin = something not quite as bad, that you may or may not have been completely aware was bad, and may or may not have done on purpose, and will not take you to hell but should be confessed anyway, either to a priest or to God in prayer.
I hope there’s an answer someone in there for you!
The probing answer from the Summa Theologiae, I-II, Q.88.
The thorough answer from the Catholic Encyclopedia.
My answer:
Mortal sin = something really, really bad, that you knew was bad but did anyway, and will take you to hell unless you are sincerely sorry for doing it, resolve not to do it again, confess to a priest that you did it, and receive God’s forgiveness.
Venial sin = something not quite as bad, that you may or may not have been completely aware was bad, and may or may not have done on purpose, and will not take you to hell but should be confessed anyway, either to a priest or to God in prayer.
I hope there’s an answer someone in there for you!
P
phil19034
Guest
To help you understand the difference, there are also some unofficial lists out there, plus some confession apps.
I personally use a Confession App called Mea Culpa. The Laudate app also has a good confession app feature.
But in general, a Mortal Sin is a sin that breaks or coming close to breaking the Ten Commandments.
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HelenRose
Guest
I would be careful about believing that small deliberate sins are minor. It is real easy to get into a habit of telling “little” lies. It then becomes easier to tell “big” lies.
If you know it is a lie and you know that lying is a sin. You really don’t want to be in the habit of deliberately testing God’s Mercy.
However, after having said all that: We had to put down our dog today as he was showing signs of becoming vicious. We will tell the grand children that we found a nice home for him.
If you know it is a lie and you know that lying is a sin. You really don’t want to be in the habit of deliberately testing God’s Mercy.
However, after having said all that: We had to put down our dog today as he was showing signs of becoming vicious. We will tell the grand children that we found a nice home for him.
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Gabriel_of_12
Guest
Venial sin is not deadly, but is a movement towards a mortal from temptation, for these sins we can pray directly to God and repent from falling into temptation. Ones penitential rite in the beginning of Mass is one way of praying for our venial sins, which John teaches about sins which are not deadly we can pray to God.
Mortal sin is deadly. Mortal sin is a willful act that breaks the divine law (Decalogue) and separates oneself from God’s graces. A perfect blood sacrifice pleasing to God, confession and penance, atones for our mortal sin which leads to eternal death and separation from God’s divine life.
1 John 5:16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
Mortal sin is deadly. Mortal sin is a willful act that breaks the divine law (Decalogue) and separates oneself from God’s graces. A perfect blood sacrifice pleasing to God, confession and penance, atones for our mortal sin which leads to eternal death and separation from God’s divine life.
1 John 5:16 If you see any brother or sister commit a sin that does not lead to death, you should pray and God will give them life. I refer to those whose sin does not lead to death. There is a sin that leads to death. I am not saying that you should pray about that. 17 All wrongdoing is sin, and there is sin that does not lead to death.
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