What is the unforgivable sin?

[Bobbie55]

We discussed this in a scripture study today and there were many definitions. Some say to believe you can’t be forgiven, others said suicide. I’m confused. :shrug

 

[Fr.Eric_Filmer]

Hello Bobbie55,

The gospels refer to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit as being the unforgivable sin (see Matthew 12:31, Mark 3:29 and Luke 12:10). The Catechism of the Catholic Church elaborates on this topic in the following manner:

1864 “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.” There are no limits to the mercy of God, but anyone who deliberately refuses to accept his mercy by repenting, rejects the forgiveness of his sins and the salvation offered by the Holy Spirit. Such hardness of heart can lead to final impenitence and eternal loss.

For a more detailed examination of this topic, consider this article by James Akin: The Unforgivable Sin.

As you mentioned, some people theorize that the act of suicide is the unforgivable sin. The rationale behind this is that a person who commits suicide is, consequently, unable to repent of it (i.e., repentance for ones sins is supposed to happen prior to ones death). Although the Catechism teaches that suicide is “seriously contrary to justice, hope, and charity” and is “forbidden by the fifth commandment” (CCC #2325), the following statements (also from the Catechism) indicate that suicide should not be identified as the unforgivable sin:

2282: …Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide.

2283: We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives.