When does the excuse of ignorance apply?

[HSTV]

For a sin to be mortal, it must be committed with full knowledge (and awareness) of the sinful action and the gravity of the offense.

Most people in our society are not aware that sex outside of marriage is a sin, porn is a sin, homosexuality, masturbation etc. are a sin. They do not believe any of these things to be’‘grave matter’’.

so… when a person does not consider something a sin, does it mean thay are not commiting this sin?

 

[LawyersGunsAndMoney]

Only God knows exactly how culpable someone is or isn’t for their behavior. We can state general principles, but trying to work it out with respect to any individual requires Gods insight.

Your post history suggests you might be suffering from some degree of scrupulosity. I’d consider discussing it with a priest if I were you.

 

[HSTV]

I came to the conclusion that it is much harder to go to heaven if you are a christian, because you know what is wrong and what is right. If you are a pagan, you always have the ‘‘ignorance’’ excuse.

 

[UpUpAndAway]

I think it’s actually easier to get to heaven when you know right from wrong, because you’re better able to avoid the potholes on the spiritual path since you know where they are.

I second the suggestion to discuss these things with your priest. God bless!

 

[HSTV]

Sodom and Gomorrah were punished for their sins and people from Noah’s time too.
They didnt think their prectices were sinful, and they were ok with those practices.
But the Catholic Church says that you only commit a sin if you have the knowledge that it is grave matter.

 

[EZweber]

Going to Heaven is more about learning to love God than obeying rules. If you love God, then you want to know the Commandments so you can please Him. Love also flowers with knowledge of the beloved. So, Christianity really makes it much easier to get to Heaven - literally without trying.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

If you are a pagan, you always have the ‘‘ignorance’’ excuse.

But here’s the other thing—the natural law and the Christian moral teaching really work out for the highest and best outcomes of all.
The “ignorant pagan” may not have culpability, but they still didn’t behave in ways that promote human flourishing.
I’m sure you prolly want to make the best decisions that will benefit your fellow man.