The sin of gossip

[Kima]

Hello.

I have found myself gulity of the sin of gossip. I am aware of the certain elements that makes a sin a mortal sin. My question is; is the sin of gossip considered grave matter?

Thanks!

 

[TK421]

Moral theologians will generally say that the gravity of gossip depends heavily on the context of what is being said.

Gossip (with intent) can do anything from create a misunderstanding to literally killing somebody.

 

[ThePlottingPlodder]

I too am often guilty of this, especially at work. i do not think idle gossip is a mortal sin unless discussing the intent to carry out a mortal sin. it’s best just not to do it. I find that it makes me feel good in the moment, but feel guilty afterwards.

 

[ConstantLearner]

I have found myself gulity of the sin of gossip. I am aware of the certain elements that makes a sin a mortal sin. My question is; is the sin of gossip considered grave matter?

Yes. It can destroy lives and in some cases, cause people to take their own lives. Remember the old saying, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything at all.” Think how you would feel if someone gossiped about you, and things became distorted. People could even sue you in court for slander or defamation of character if what you say is not held to the strictest truth. They can sue even if it is, they just won’t win.

Read a book, start a blog, go to the gym, but do not gossip. Gossip is evil carried out by people under the influence of evil. Don’t do it.

I have plenty of faults, that’s for sure, but I thank G-d I have never felt the urge to gossip.

 

[Sbee0]

Hello.

I have found myself gulity of the sin of gossip. I am aware of the certain elements that makes a sin a mortal sin. My question is; is the sin of gossip considered grave matter?

Thanks!

It’s the sin of detraction (when there’s element of truth to the gossip) or calumnity (when the gossip is knowingly false) - and whether both are grave depends on the nature and intent of the gossip. If you say are destroying someone’s reputation then both are grave sins. Like any grave sin it is mortal with both full knowledge and full consent.

 

[Zach]

Yes. It can destroy lives and in some cases, cause people to take their own lives.

True. This from St Faustina’s diary:

I tremble to think that I have to give an account of my tongue. There is life, but there is also death in the tongue. Sometimes we kill with the tongue: we commit real murder. And we still regard that as a small thing? I truly do not understand such consciences. I have known a person who, when she learned from someone that a certain thing was being said about her, fell seriously ill. She lost a good deal of weight and shed many tears, and the outcome was very sad. It was not the sword that did all this, but the tongue. O my silent Jesus, have mercy on us all!” (St Faustina Kowalska’s Diary, 119)

The book of James calls the tounge a restless evil full of deadly poison.

I’d say the pen might be mightier than the sword but the the pen is powerless against the tounge.

If you are not there to defend yourself would you want someone gossiping about you? If you have something to say to someone have the guts to take them aside in private and discuss it politely and respectfully rather than cowardly and sneakily behind their back.

 

[Rozellelily]

Are you just sharing ‘news’ about other people’s lives or are you actually saying derogatory things about them?

Is it ‘everyday’ gossip or is it beechy type gossip?

 

[Kima]

It depends.