Was this a mortal sin?

[Clairdelune]

I’m a new Catholic, so I’m still learning a lot about Catholicism. I’ve been struggling against the evils of masturbation for about a year now. I fell asleep the other day, and only half awake and definitely still out of my normal consciousness, I did it. It took a while to realize what I had done, and after I was awake, I recited an Act of Contrition and realized that it was a sin on some level.

Was this Mortal or Venial? Should I confess it?

Thanks so much,

Clair

 

[bilop]

I’m a new Catholic, so I’m still learning a lot about Catholicism. I’ve been struggling against the evils of masturbation for about a year now. I fell asleep the other day, and only half awake and definitely still out of my normal consciousness, I did it. It took a while to realize what I had done, and after I was awake, I recited an Act of Contrition and realized that it was a sin on some level.

Was this Mortal or Venial? Should I confess it?

Thanks so much,

Clair

If you were not fully awake, it is no sin. An act must be deliberate to be sinful.

God Bless

 

[Clairdelune]

thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut.

 

[Archus]

Yea basically sin works on a three strikes rule, all three conditions must be met for it to be a mortal sin:

Grave matter
Full knowledge
Full consent

Meaning that murder is a mortal sin, because it violates the sanctity of human life (grave matter), you know full well it is wrong (full knowledge), and murder is typically pre-meditated (full consent). Manslaughter on the other hand, only fulfills two out of the three (the first two), so is actually venial rather than mortal.

I’m in the same position you are, and I really do know how it feels, on both sides, and it is a sin, but it is minor (venial). Here’s why:
**
Grave matter
**Check, masturbation is contrary to its purpose. Sexual pleasure is between a married man and woman.

Full Knowledge
Check, you know why it is sinful, otherwise you would not be struggling against it.

Full Consent
Nope. Not only were you struggling against it, but you were not in a position to make a decisive moral choice. You were half asleep.

I’ve done that a couple of times, and I remember I was almost in shock when I looked at myself. But then, if I was in shock, then it must have been a surprise which means I did not give my full consent.

The act of contrition and realisation that it is wrong was the right thing to do. Now you should keep praying. Mary is awesome for company, as well as St. Joseph, and also spend some time alone with Christ and the Holy Spirit.

 

[teachccd]

If you were not fully awake, it is no sin. An act must be deliberate to be sinful.

God Bless

WHOA!!! Hold on for one second. The OP now believes that he or she does not need confession. The OP stated that there is an ongoing struggle with this act. I would HIGHLY recommend that the OP go to confession if for no other reason than to receive the graces to fight this habit. The thumbs up in the last post was an immediate understanding that there is no culpablilty. NO ONE knows that except the OP, God and a good discernment with a priest.

This is not to say that your post is not 100% correct. Obviously all sin must be deliberate but we cannot exonerate this person on a forum. Always suggest Reconciliation when one is in doubt and perhaps the lines on Saturday will increase a bit…God Bless…teachccd

 

[bilop]

WHOA!!! Hold on for one second. The OP now believes that he or she does not need confession. The OP stated that there is an ongoing struggle with this act. I would HIGHLY recommend that the OP go to confession if for no other reason than to receive the graces to fight this habit. The thumbs up in the last post was an immediate understanding that there is no culpablilty. NO ONE knows that except the OP, God and a good discernment with a priest.

This is not to say that your post is not 100% correct. Obviously all sin must be deliberate but we cannot exonerate this person on a forum. Always suggest Reconciliation when one is in doubt and perhaps the lines on Saturday will increase a bit…God Bless…teachccd

I would never reccomend against confession, but Clair obviously knows masturbation is grave matter and is a mortal sin if done willingly.

She says she is struggling against it. Yes, confession is a great source of grace in that struggle.

I was just responding to the facts given, which indicate no sin.

God Bless

 

[buc_fan33]

It’s a good point to remember that since so much of sin is subjective based on age, habit, and other factors, that a message board, regardless of how Catholic it is or who is posting, can never replace the guidance of a priest.

For example, since we’re talking about masturbation, objectively it is grave matter, and thus a mortal sin. However, subjectively, someone may honestly be trying to fight against this habit, and thus it may not be subjectively a mortal sin for that person. Nothing can replace a prudent spiritual director who can ascertain all of these facts.