When does venial sin go too far?

[TheNeutral]

So we all know that venial sins don’t lead to death, but mortal sins do, however we also know that these laws are simply a reflection of something much greater (our relationship with God). Venial sins could be considered a “No” to God, while Mortal sins could be viewed as an “FU” to Him. With this is mind, say someone decides they’re going to “dance the line” and commit an entire lifetime’s worth the venial sins. Wouldn’t that itself be mortal, since mortal sins are simply saying “get lost” to God? Maybe legally it’s OK, however this highlights a much greater spiritual and relational problem. Is it possible, then, to commit a legally venial sin(s) that is spiritually mortal (Galatians 6:7)?

 

[guanophore]

to commit a legally venial sin(s) that is spiritually mortal (Galatians 6:7)?

Yes, indulging in venial sins inevitably leads to mortal sins. The problem with this question is that it reveals a contrary mindset. Instead of “dancing the line” one should be focused on avoiding even the near occasions of sin.

 

[TheNeutral]

Yes, indulging in venial sins inevitably leads to mortal sins. The problem with this question is that it reveals a contrary mindset. Instead of “dancing the line” one should be focused on avoiding even the near occasions of sin.

I’m aware of that doctrine, that venial sins can lead to mortal sins, however my question is slightly different in nature, regarding whether a careless lifestyle of venial sins is itself mortal.

Also, this question isn’t about myself, it’s a universal question. I know a lot of people who commit to such heinous lifestyles with the mindset of “as long as I don’t go to Hell”, and I was curious as to how well that goes over for God.

 

[anon65111186]

So we all know that venial sins don’t lead to death,

They lead to more venial sins which increase the chances of mortal sin.

We shouldn’t be comitting any sins period. A venial sin is too far. Venial sin is like pneumonia but mortal sin is like the black death. You don’t want either.

There are three things we could look at to see if a venial lifestyle is mortal: object, circumstances, and intent.

Intentionally living a life in which you choose venial sin regularly could alone make it mortal.

 

[Arkansan]

With this is mind, say someone decides they’re going to “dance the line” and commit an entire lifetime’s worth the venial sins. Wouldn’t that itself be mortal, since mortal sins are simply saying “get lost” to God?

If someone chose to commit even the slightest sin because it was offensive to God, that would be one of the gravest sins.

On the other hand, someone who commits a venial sin even with full knowledge of its sinful character would not commit mortal sin if there were no gravely sinful motive (as in the above case). There is no reason to think that a given number would change this.

Of course, venial sin further disposes a person to mortal sin, and even if it doesn’t progress there, the least pain in purgatory is more sever than any on Earth, so it will not be “worth it” in the end.

 

[Vico]

Is it possible, then, to commit a legally venial sin(s) that is spiritually mortal (Galatians 6:7)?

No. A venial sin is venial because either it is not grave matter or is done without full knowledge or without complete consent. Yet, venial sin merits temporal punishment because of the attachments that are formed which will need to be broken through penance before entering heaven or by purgatory.

 

[CRM_Brother]

To answer this question, I think we must first explicitly lay out the requirements of the Church for a sin to be mortal:

1. The sin must be of a grave matter.
2. The sin must be committed with full knowledge and awareness of the sinful action and the gravity of the offense.
3. The sinful action must be committed with deliberate and complete consent.

With respect to these three points, any sin can then become venial if any of them are not fully applicable:

1. The sin is not of a grave matter.
2. The sinner does fully understand that the action is sinful or does not know that the matter of the sin is grave.
3. The sinner does not fully consent to the sin or is under coercion (whether through outside pressure or mental illness).

Now, if the sinner lives their life in habitual sin, but constantly falls under the exception of numbers 2 and 3, then I do not believe that these venial sins become mortal, for they simply do not fully understand their action or are under an influence not fully under their control. If the sinner habitually commits venial sin simply because it is technically not a grave matter, so it is alright to do so, then I believe that this can and does become mortal after a period of time.

We must remember, Christ rebuked the Pharisees for following the letter of the Law without adhering to the Spirit which drove it. “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You pay tithes of mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier things of the law: judgment and mercy and fidelity. [But] these you should have done, without neglecting the others.” (Mt. 23:23) I believe that this habitual flaunting of legalities drives to a deeper sin. Fidelity to the Holy Spirit which drives the Law (in this case the technical requirements for mortal sin found in the Catechism) is, in itself, a grave matter.

I believe that the citation of Galatians 6:7 in the original post is quite relevant. “Make no mistake: God is not mocked, for a person will reap only what he sows.” Those who refuse to sow fidelity to the Spirit of the Gospel, reap nothing but the death of mortal sin.

This does not, however, give us authority to judge those who do live in habitual venial sin. That power alone resides with our Lord. Instead, we must turn to fraternal correction to build up our brothers and sisters in this state so that they can freely make the choice to turn away from their sin.

God Bless,
Br. Ben, CRM

 

[MercyWarrior88]

Thank you so much for your precious insight, Br Ben. You have truly enlightened me. God bless you.