Sinful images in dreams and culpability

[EIF5A]

I have a sense I was at least partially aware that I was dreaming, almost like a lucid dream though I couldn’t control everything. It all started when I dreamed that I was flying through walls and flying over a pretty city, and at that point, I know I was semi-conscious because I said to myself, “Oh boy, this dream is fun. Hope it doesn’t end.” And then somehow the impure images started…

Did I give in to sin with my free will if I wouldn’t have committed sin were I to be fully conscious?

Since the OT law said one is unclean after such an event, I feel like I shouldn’t go to Mass today. If mere consent to the thought of sin and obtaining carnal pleasure from the thought is equivalent to having committed the sin in real life, then I gave in to mortal sin…again.

Maybe it’s a sign that I’m spiritually weak in real life and that carries over to my lack of self-control and ruling over sinful dispositions in the sub-conscious realm.

Now I feel too ashamed to pray the set of prayers I normally pray. Maybe I’ll pray the 7 penitential psalms instead.

 

[Latinitas]

No need to worry. Think about it this way: You’re intoxicated with sleep - the only difference is that it is morally licit to sleep. So, even though you said it was fun and all that, you couldn’t honestly make a sound moral judgment. If a person was drunk, they might be able to remember what they did, but not make good judgments. It’s the same thing here, except that, like I said, sleeping is legitimate.

I would go to Mass and communicate, and feel better, as well as receive the graces necessary to overcome any future possible sins, as well as forgive any venial sins involved in this incident and other aspects of life.

I hope this was helpful,
Benedicat Deus,
Latinitas

 

[delphin]

Lately I’ve had some very intense and sexual dreams myself. I have to admit, when I woke up I had a huge smile on my face. In the dream I was obviously having sex. I don’t feel guilty at all since it was a dream, is thisw ok?

 

[porthos11]

It is not possible to sin while you’re asleep.

And yes, this includes lucid dreams, because even there, your free will is inoperative.

 

[MarianCatholic]

I have a sense I was at least partially aware that I was dreaming, almost like a lucid dream though I couldn’t control everything. It all started when I dreamed that I was flying through walls and flying over a pretty city, and at that point, I know I was semi-conscious because I said to myself, “Oh boy, this dream is fun. Hope it doesn’t end.” And then somehow the impure images started…

Did I give in to sin with my free will if I wouldn’t have committed sin were I to be fully conscious?

Since the OT law said one is unclean after such an event, I feel like I shouldn’t go to Mass today. If mere consent to the thought of sin and obtaining carnal pleasure from the thought is equivalent to having committed the sin in real life, then I gave in to mortal sin…again.

Maybe it’s a sign that I’m spiritually weak in real life and that carries over to my lack of self-control and ruling over sinful dispositions in the sub-conscious realm.

Now I feel too ashamed to pray the set of prayers I normally pray. Maybe I’ll pray the 7 penitential psalms instead.

Please keep up the good work my dear friend
Think about it, who benefits from you stopping to attend mass and adore Christ? It’s not God that’s for certain.

Also a friendly advise don’t beat yourself up over dreams and stuff as you don’t do it willingly so it’s not mortal.

Focus on the beauty of the Catholic faith and not to much on sins as you swim the Tiber.
Love God and walk the path he has made for you and when easter comes go to confession.

Pax Christi

 

[Jack007]

No need to worry. Think about it this way: You’re intoxicated with sleep - the only difference is that it is morally licit to sleep. So, even though you said it was fun and all that, you couldn’t honestly make a sound moral judgment. If a person was drunk, they might be able to remember what they did, but not make good judgments. It’s the same thing here, except that, like I said, sleeping is legitimate.

I would go to Mass and communicate, and feel better, as well as receive the graces necessary to overcome any future possible sins, as well as forgive any venial sins involved in this incident and other aspects of life.

I hope this was helpful,
Benedicat Deus,
Latinitas