Grave Sin

[Dream]

Of course, one of the requirements for a mortal sin is for the sin to be grave.

I couldn't help but notice, when reading through the Catechism, that it will often define certain things as a grave sin. My question to you: if the Catechism does not mention that a certain sin is a grave sin, does that mean that it is not a grave sin?

 

[geocajun]

I think your mixing words a little, which could be problematic for you in the long run.
Grave means serious, and what is required for a sin to be Mortal is "Grave Matter" aka "Serious matter", knowledge of it at the time, and full consent to do it anyway.
And no, not all serious matter is explicitly mentioned in the Catechism - this is why one must properly form their conscience using the Sacred Scriptures, the CCC, Priests, Papal proclamations, your Bishops proclamations, and general Catechesis when made available to them.

 

[Dream]

Grave means serious, and what is required for a sin to be Mortal is "Grave Matter" aka "Serious matter", knowledge of it at the time, and full consent to do it anyway.

So you are saying that any sin that I do willingly with knowledge that it is a sin is considered a grave sin?

 

[geocajun]

So you are saying that any sin that I do willingly with knowledge that it is a sin is considered a grave sin?

no.

For a sin to be a mortal sin, three things are required.

1. Grave Matter.
2. Knowledge of the gravity of the matter.
3. Full consent of the will to do it.

If it doesn't meet those 3 requirements, it is not a mortal sin. It can however, be a venial, or lesser sin, depending on the matter and intention.

 

[Dream]

Yea, I understand the requirements for a sin to be mortal. Maybe my question isn't clear because I'm mixing up the term "grave sin" with "grave matter."

Let me re-phrase my question.

How do I know if a sin is of grave matter? The Catechism defines some sins as of grave matter. Does this mean that it is not of grave matter if it is not mentioned?

 

[geocajun]

Let me re-phrase my question.

How do I know if a sin is of grave matter? The Catechism defines some sins as of grave matter. Does this mean that it is not of grave matter if it is not mentioned?

did I not answer that above?

And no, not all serious matter is explicitly mentioned in the Catechism - this is why one must properly form their conscience using the Sacred Scriptures, the CCC, Priests, Papal proclamations, your Bishops proclamations, and general Catechesis when made available to them.

 

[Dream]

did I not answer that above?

You did. My apologizies. I'm tired and only half-reading everything. Thank you for the response.

 

[geocajun]

You did. My apologizies. I'm tired and only half-reading everything. Thank you for the response.

no problem.

 

[BAChristian]

So you are saying that any sin that I do willingly with knowledge that it is a sin is considered a grave sin?

As geo has pointed out, not every sin is mortal if you do it willingly.

But consider your weakness to grave matters if you continue to willingly partake of minor sins. If you continue to let little things slip by, sooner or later, you will do something that is mortal.

 

[BAChristian]

How do I know if a sin is of grave matter?

One way to know is by talking with your priest, but also look to others around you who you'd consider "devout". Ask them if they think certain sins are mortal. As a general rule, if a devout Christian doesn't think it's mortal, it probably isn't, and you could be leading yourself down a road towards scrupilosity.

Trust me on that one.

 

[artnalex]

As a general rule, if a devout Christian doesn't think it's mortal, it probably isn't,...

I have relatives who consider themselves devout, yet they continually skip Mass and also use artificial birth control. Other people who know my relatives also consider them devout Catholics (because they are helpful and giving), yet I would believe different. (But I am not saying that they are bad people. No stone throwing here. Just trying to make a point.)

 

[BAChristian]

I have relatives who consider themselves devout, yet they continually skip Mass and also use artificial birth control. Other people who know my relatives also consider them devout Catholics (because they are helpful and giving), yet I would believe different. (But I am not saying that they are bad people. No stone throwing here. Just trying to make a point.)

Obviously, my version of "devout" includes you looking at that person and being able to see if their works are really bearing fruit, or are their limbs just hanging around and not producing...