What defines 'grave matter'?

[coolduude]

I know that to commit a mortal sin all three of these must be ‘fullfilled’ (for lack of a better word):

-grave matter
-the person committing the sin must have full knowledge
-the person does it anyway.

(I think I botched the third one; please correct me if I’m wrong).

But what is grave matter?

I ask because I feel everything I do is a grave matter. It’s hard for me to discern. I also think I have scruples

If anyone can clear this up, that’d be great!

Coolduude.

 

[Lifeisawesome]

Catechism: 1857 and 1858

 

[Bookcat]

I know that to commit a mortal sin all three of these must be ‘fullfilled’ (for lack of a better word):

-grave matter
-the person committing the sin must have full knowledge
-the person does it anyway.

(I think I botched the third one; please correct me if I’m wrong).

But what is grave matter?

I ask because I feel everything I do is a grave matter. It’s hard for me to discern. I also think I have scruples

If anyone can clear this up, that’d be great!

Coolduude.

Grave matter
Full Knowledge
Deliberate Consent (it would need to be Complete consent)

these three make are required for mortal sin

From the Compendium of the Catechism

1. When does one commit a mortal sin?

1855-1861
1874

One commits a mortal sin when there are simultaneously present: grave matter, full knowledge, and deliberate consent. This sin destroys charity in us, deprives us of sanctifying grace, and, if unrepented, leads us to the eternal death of hell. It can be forgiven in the ordinary way by means of the sacraments of Baptism and of Penance or Reconciliation.

1. When does one commit a venial sin?

1862-1864
1875

One commits a venial sin, which is essentially different from a mortal sin, when the matter involved is less serious or, even if it is grave, when full knowledge or complete consent are absent. Venial sin does not break the covenant with God but it weakens charity and manifests a disordered affection for created goods. It impedes the progress of a soul in the exercise of the virtues and in the practice of moral good. It merits temporal punishment which purifies.

 

[Bookcat]

I know that to commit a mortal sin all three of these must be ‘fullfilled’ (for lack of a better word):

-grave matter
-the person committing the sin must have full knowledge
-the person does it anyway.

(I think I botched the third one; please correct me if I’m wrong).

But what is grave matter?

I ask because I feel everything I do is a grave matter. It’s hard for me to discern. I also think I have scruples

If anyone can clear this up, that’d be great!

Coolduude.

From the Catechism:

1858 Grave matter is specified by the Ten Commandments, corresponding to the answer of Jesus to the rich young man: “Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and your mother.” The gravity of sins is more or less great: murder is graver than theft. One must also take into account who is wronged: violence against parents is in itself graver than violence against a stranger.

I suggest reading the moral section in the Catechism or at least in the Compendium…

you will see often that certain things are noted as grave matter or serious matter (would be the same thing if they use this latter term) --though this is not exhaustive…it will give you a better formation.

If you have a difficulty with scruples…yes this can be difficult to discern…but remember that it is not ones feelings per se that constitute your conscience…

seek to form your conscience more and more…

 

[Bookcat]

Fornication
Lying under oath before God
Grave Calumny
Idolatry
Adultery
Lust
Masterbation
Homosexual acts
Pornography
Serious Theft
Drunkenness to the point of loss of reason
Abortion
Euthanasia
Deliberate failure of the Sunday obligation or Holy Day to attend Mass
Grave Scandal

etc

examples of grave matter

---

1858 Grave matter is specified by the Ten Commandments, corresponding to the answer of Jesus to the rich young man: "Do not kill, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and your mother."132 …

So there is something under each of them

put the words ‘grave sin’ and later do "grave’-- in this search engine…scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

a number of things in the ccc are actually noted as grave …or when they become grave…