[Catholics only] Is profanity considered a mortal or venial sin?

[Gnarwhal]

This is something I haven't been completely clear on, even though I've searched around on here and elsewhere for comments on the matter.

I have a problem with swearing, especially when I'm frustrated and watching sports. I don't take the Lord's name in vain, but I drop a lot of f-bombs, and other "lesser" profanities. I usually say them under my breath or I might be in a live-thread on Reddit that's discussing a game and we'll all be dropping bombs when something goes wrong in the game. Just for context, not rationale.

Is this a mortal sin? When I go to confession I mention that I've used foul language 'many times' but I've never been sure if I'm necessarily supposed to confess that or if it's a venial sin that the Eucharist would help me with. I have noticed that when I do receive the Eucharist my impulse to swear lessens significantly and it's only when I've gone a while that I tend to get worked up more easily, for whatever that's worth. I haven't gone to confession this week since—unless this foul language is, in fact, a mortal sin—I haven't really messed up.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Cosmic Charlie]

I'm going with neither in and of itself.

Using is excessively or in inappropriate setting my be a cause of a minor sin related to being badly mannered.

But I don't take it as necessary sinful on it's own merits.

 

[Landon Caeli]

This is something I haven't been completely clear on, even though I've searched around on here and elsewhere for comments on the matter.

I have a problem with swearing, especially when I'm frustrated and watching sports. I don't take the Lord's name in vain, but I drop a lot of f-bombs, and other "lesser" profanities. I usually say them under my breath or I might be in a live-thread on Reddit that's discussing a game and we'll all be dropping bombs when something goes wrong in the game. Just for context, not rationale.

Is this a mortal sin? When I go to confession I mention that I've used foul language 'many times' but I've never been sure if I'm necessarily supposed to confess that or if it's a venial sin that the Eucharist would help me with. I have noticed that when I do receive the Eucharist my impulse to swear lessens significantly and it's only when I've gone a while that I tend to get worked up more easily, for whatever that's worth. I haven't gone to confession this week since—unless this foul language is, in fact, a mortal sin—I haven't really messed up.

Any help would be appreciated.

Only if you intentionally use the Lords name in vain. Other than that, foul language is just man-made sounds.

 

[football5680]

Simply saying the words themselves is not a sin but in certain situations it could be considered sinful. From what you have said, I wouldn't consider your usage to be sinful but it is unnecessary and you should avoid doing it if you can.

 

[BroIgnatius]

It depends.

This is not about blasphemy only. Cursing is to call upon the devil whether or not you mean it or know it. Cussing is about things like bodily functions. Vulgarity is base language.

None of this whether blasphemy, cursing, cussing, or vulgarity is appropriate for Christians. As to whether or not saying these words are grave or venial sin depends.

More detail on this here.

 

[Landon Caeli]

It depends.

This is not about blasphemy only. Cursing is to call upon the devil whether or not you mean it or know it. Cussing is about things like bodily functions. Vulgarity is base language.

None of this whether blasphemy, cursing, cussing, or vulgarity is appropriate for Christians. As to whether or not saying these words are grave or venial sin depends.

More detail on this here.

Well that was a good, informative answer. I never knew there were various forms of fowl language... It makes sense. Thanks.

 

[AvilaSurfer]

Only if you intentionally use the Lords name in vain. Other than that, foul language is just man-made sounds.

I think if you consult a priest, you might get a different answer.

 

[BroIgnatius]

oops

 

[eastcoast_bsc]

I do it every day. The traffic in and through Boston is beyond horrific.
My commute of 25.2 miles takes 2 to 2.5 hours every freakin night. Theoretically it should be 30 minutes.

I have been stuck in that bleepin tunnel that goes under Boston harbor which cost billions ( big dig) and was built by corrupt companies , corrupt unions and the occasional mobster.

I always feel there will be a massive cavein and I will drown.

So I say horrible things to other drivers who don't believe in turn sigmals or don't want to close the gap with the driver in front if them.