Sin to Watch an Execution?

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I recently watched the execution of Nick Berg by the AL-Qaeda because I just can’t believe that people can do that to each other but I also sense it was through morbid curiosity. Trust me, I did not get enjoyment from it and I pretty much looked away and fast forwarded it, but recent news about the war and terrorism (with a reference to the execution) got me to look it up. It’s been haunting me for years now and I needed closure so to speak. I was wondering if this is considered a mortal sin (to watch that). I’m hoping a priest can answer this for me if possible. Thank you in advance.

Pax†
 
The act of watching was not sinful, but be careful-if you watch too many of those things, it WILL desensitize you to violence, and then it’ll make it easier for you TO sin in the future…
 
Seeking out the video specifically to watch somebody murdered? Hmmm… definitely ask your confessor asap! You don’t have to wait until Saturday or whenever, make an appointment and get this off your shoulders.
 
Thanks for responding (both of you).

Definately the first and only time in my life I did that and for the reasons stated above. I wasn’t “seeking it out” in that manner. More like when you hear a friend or aquaintence died you always wonder how it happened. Not making excuses…just clarifying. In my profession I see enough death not to look it up for “kicks”. I was thinking this was a venial sin not a mortal. I will, however, take it up with my confesssor since a priest hasn’t replied yet. Thanks again.
 
Seeing as the Death Penalty is allowed for by the Church it can’t be a sin to watch it. If you were getting some sort of pleasure out of it, perhaps, but but there isn’t anything inherently wrong about the act itself.
 
Watching people die is sick. It’s not compatable with the Christian life. We should never rejoice over anyone’s death.
 
jasontn said:
Watching people die is sick. It’s not compatable with the Christian life. We should never rejoice over anyone’s death.
Click to expand...
You obviously didn’t read my WHOLE original post. Did you post to play "holier-than-thou? You remind me of the parable of the Pharase and the tax collector.

I’m going to confession AND I’m asking the administraters to end this thread.

Pax†
 
AdriannaJean said:
Seeing as the Death Penalty is allowed for by the Church it can’t be a sin to watch it. If you were getting some sort of pleasure out of it, perhaps, but but there isn’t anything inherently wrong about the act itself.
Click to expand...
Thank you very much. I was getting absolutely no pleasure. This man’s execution bugged me for years and recently it was brought up in the news again and it started all over again for me. It brought closure (in a way) and now I can be over this nightmare. Thank you for posting.

Pax†
 
jasontn said:
Watching people die is sick. It’s not compatable with the Christian life. We should never rejoice over anyone’s death.
Click to expand...
You obviously didn’t read my WHOLE original post. Did you post to play "holier-than-thou? You remind me of the parable of the Pharase and the Tax Collector.

I’m going to confession AND I’m asking the administraters to end this thread.

Pax†
 
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