Would this constitute a Sin?

[CatholicRoots]

Last night I had a ‘nocturnal emission’, something that can be quite frequent for somebody trying to be chaste. However, I know that these can be uncontrollable for some people, (St. Augustine even mentions it in his Confessions if I’m not mistaken) and I tend to get them often myself but last night in my dream it seemed as if I consented, does that constitute a sin? I was only partially aware since when you’re asleep you’re in an altered state of conciousness but I seemed to let it happen nonetheless, even though I was asleep and not fully willing it either. I’m confused I only hope that this doesn’t constitute a mortal sin. Does anybody know if it does? Thanks in advance for any replies. This has been bothering me interiorly.

 

[bzkoss236]

Nocturnal emissions are a natural bodily function, and things that happen in dreams are (for the most part) uncontrollable. So, no, by having nocturnal emissions you have not committed a sin. Part of committing mortal sin involves intention. If someone puts a gun in your hand, and forces (using their own hands) you to pull the trigger, killing someone, are you at fault? No, because you were not in control.

So, no worries. And you should grow out of having nocturnal emissions after a while.

 

[Walcot]

Think of it as a very, very natural bodily ‘release valve’ at work. It causes no-one any harm.

 

[JRKH]

No sin here…The problem with dreams is that many of the “gates” are closed between the subconscious and the conscious. Because of this a thought can instantly become an action in a dream where we would be able to prevent it if we were awake.

That said, I do understand what you are saying about seeming to “consent” to the act and wondering about this. I have experienced this as well. Far from being something to worry about, this recognition is something that shows that our conversion is becoming more and more integrated into your very being. That it is becoming a part of our unconscious - our most basic - makeup.

When this happens to me, I apologize to my Lord for my continued imperfection…but then I dismiss it as nothing more than that. I say I dismiss it because dwelling on the imperfection is counterproductive. Continue to focus on God and living as holy a life as possible and that holiness will continue to infuse into us, changing us more and more into the very image of our Lord.

Peace
James