When is Gossip considered to "hurt someone seriously"

[wworld]

I’m pretty sure gossip, when serious, is of grave matter. But what makes it serious?

I was at dinner today with some people. They told a story of someone who apparently tried to get some of them kicked out of school or something. Is that serious? And thus grave in matter?

 

[mdgspencer]

It could be seriously wrong if he identified the person. Damaging a person’s good name and reputation, a damage that may exist the rest of their lives, is seriously wrong. It can be wrong even if it is true. If the person speaking simply is seeking advice or consolation, though, it may not be such a serious sin, or perhaps not even a sin at all. The guilt is greater, or perhaps present in the first place, if he is ruining the person’s good name for no reason but the pleasure of telling people.

 

[wworld]

I didn’t hear them say a name… They probably said it though. I did tell them gossip was wrong or something like that, but I didnt want to cover my ears since I was in public in a restaurant… So hopefully I’m okay there :S

 

[PatriceA]

I’m pretty sure gossip, when serious, is of grave matter. But what makes it serious?

I was at dinner today with some people. They told a story of someone who apparently tried to get some of them kicked out of school or something. Is that serious? And thus grave in matter?

Is that really gossip? I don’t know if it is. If I was relating a personal experience or situation about someone that tried to do something detrimental towards me or my family, I don’t think that’s gossip. One could look at it as a way to warn other people about situation that could directly effect their situation as well. If they heard about the story secondhand, then I would think that’s gossip, but if I’ve been directly effected by a person or situation, that’s not gossip IMO.

 

[Bezant]

I’m pretty sure gossip, when serious, is of grave matter. But what makes it serious?

I would disagree with you. Even “innocent” gossip can turn into a serious matter. Sometimes there’s too much effort to preserve modest behaviour and dress, and not enough to gaurd modest thoughts and words (besides swearing).

There’s always the risk of mistakes: that someone will think negatively or misunderstand of the original source – especially when repeated through someone else.

Sometimes, not everyone who’s hearing the information wishes well on the person of interest, even if it’s positive information. That’s why, in my family, when we acheive something, we don’t always share the news, and we don’t always share it with ‘everyone’ (including some friends and acquaintences).

I don’t know if your case is really gossip.

 

[Christian4life]

I would disagree with you. Even “innocent” gossip can turn into a serious matter. Sometimes there’s too much effort to preserve modest behaviour and dress, and not enough to gaurd modest thoughts and words (besides swearing).

There’s always the risk of mistakes: that someone will think negatively or misunderstand of the original source – especially when repeated through someone else.

Sometimes, not everyone who’s hearing the information wishes well on the person of interest, even if it’s positive information. That’s why, in my family, when we acheive something, we don’t always share the news, and we don’t always share it with ‘everyone’ (including some friends and acquaintences).

I don’t know if your case is really gossip.

I heartily agree to this and would like to add - if you have something to say about someone #1 make sure you have your facts straight!! I have had people mistakenly say things about me either based out of ignorance of what I meant, or because I was exaggerating to make a point or being sarcastic and they actually took me seriously and repeated it!
#2 if the person you are talking to does not even know me or plan to know me, then my life is 100% none of their business! People do not mind thier own business nowadays and it is just getting worse and worse.
#3 If I tell someone something in confidence, that confidence is highly implied when I say something like, “I don’t often talk about this,” or “This is a touchy subject,” or, “This is pretty personal.” Which means I do NOT want you discussing it at your next dinner party!

Even among faithful Catholics it is getting harder and harder to find friends you can trust. If someone talks to you about people you don’t know’s personal lives, NEVER tell them anything!!