Full Knowledge

[Dream]

One of the requirements for a sin to be mortal is full knowledge. Is it full knowledge that what one is doing is sinful or is it full knowledge of the gravity of their sin?

For example, skipping Mass on Sunday is a grave sin. Most people that skip Mass probablly know that it is sinful, but don't realize that it is a grave sin. So do they have full knowledge?

 

[Lifesaver]

Good question. I think it is rather impossible to say from the outside.

The matter of condoms is also a lot like this one. Most Catholics who use condoms know the Church's position very well. They just reason "who's that old, reactionary and celibate man to tell me what to do in my bedroom?!".
Surely, they are in grave sin, and they know the Church stands against it; but they do not know how authoritative the Church is in moral matters.

 

[Dream]

Good question. I think it is rather impossible to say from the outside.

The matter of condoms is also a lot like this one. Most Catholics who use condoms know the Church's position very well. They just reason "who's that old, reactionary and celibate man to tell me what to do in my bedroom?!".
Surely, they are in grave sin, and they know the Church stands against it; but they do not know how authoritative the Church is in moral matters.

Exactly. Many Catholics realize that it is sinful to use condoms, but they don't realize the seriousness of it.

That's why I need some clarification on full knowledge.

 

[Michelina]

One of the requirements for a sin to be mortal is full knowledge. Is it full knowledge that what one is doing is sinful or is it full knowledge of the gravity of their sin?

Both.

 

[Dream]

Both.

So then a Catholic who chooses to skip Mass knowing it is sinful, but does not realize it is a grave sin, does not commit a mortal sin?

 

[Michelina]

So then a Catholic who chooses to skip Mass knowing it is sinful, but does not realize it is a grave sin, does not commit a mortal sin?

Right.

 

[Dream]

Right.

Hmm... So that means that the ignorant get off easier than those who seek the truth.

 

[Michelina]

Hmm... So that means that the ignorant get off easier than those who seek the truth.

That's true in a way. But those who know the truth get the benefit of the Truth and all the Grace that goes with it. Not to mention the Power. Those who know the Truth should thank God for it and do everything they can to share it with others.

 

[JeffreyLloyd]

That's true in a way. But those who know the truth get the benefit of the Truth and all the Grace that goes with it. Not to mention the Power. Those who know the Truth should thank God for it and do everything they can to share it with others.

Yup.