The Extent of Sin

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Bellator

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To my fellow Catholics:

It has been a year since I encountered this problem, and I hope that through discussion with other Catholics I may obtain a better understanding of the situation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that one can indirectly participate in sin. For example, one may witness a theft, yet do nothing to prevent the thief or report the crime to another. Moreover, one may also participate in sin by allowing one to commit sin; this is supported by the case of Eli and his sons from the Book of Samuel. However, how far does this extend? If the above cases are true in all circumstances, then does this mean that if there is a practicing Catholic who is able to make an effort to act or pray against the sin of abortion, yet decides not to do so, participates in the mortal sin of slaughtering the innocent?

Sincerely,
Bellator
 
Bellator said:
To my fellow Catholics:

It has been a year since I encountered this problem, and I hope that through discussion with other Catholics I may obtain a better understanding of the situation.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that one can indirectly participate in sin. For example, one may witness a theft, yet do nothing to prevent the thief or report the crime to another. Moreover, one may also participate in sin by allowing one to commit sin; this is supported by the case of Eli and his sons from the Book of Samuel. However, how far does this extend? If the above cases are true in all circumstances, then does this mean that if there is a practicing Catholic who is able to make an effort to act or pray against the sin of abortion, yet decides not to do so, participates in the mortal sin of slaughtering the innocent?

Sincerely,
Bellator
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Look up information related to the principle “cooperation with evil,” including “material” and “formal” cooperation. Some forms of cooperation with evil are considered sins themselves, others are not. Obviously, directly participating in abortion, for instance, would be evil, not only by administering it myself but even by driving the woman to the abortion clinic with full knowledge that she intends to get one. Working at the abortion clinic is probably evil unless I’m doing something not related to abortion (for instance, if one were a landscaper charged with cutting the grass and trimming the trees outside, etc.). There’s a lot of nuance to the principle and I’m not overly familiar with it, but hopefully this will give you some good ideas on where to start looking.
 
Bellator said:
T… Moreover, one may also participate in sin by allowing one to commit sin; this is supported by the case of Eli and his sons from the Book of Samuel…
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It appears to me that Eli’s guilt derived from his position of parent, who should have been correcting his sons.

Catechism of the Catholic Church
1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them:
  • by participating directly and voluntarily in them;
  • by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;
  • by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;
  • by protecting evil-doers.
Click to expand...
 
Joe Kelley:

Thank you for finding that paragraph. It appears that, according to the Catechism, we are all responsible for the sin of abortion, and are morally obliged to confront it lest we be included in its participants.

Sincerely,
Bellator
 
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