If someone is having a hypersexual episode, has an extremely high libido and seeks casual sexual activities due to a chemical imbalance of the brain. Is that a sin?
Lightmyway:
I'm bipolar and I've been in such a situation, so here is my two cents worth. I realize that others will disagree.
Yes, it is sin. It is objectively sin. Sex is powerful, and is therefore to be protected within a male/female marriage. Anything outside that, whether it is fornication, adultery, masturbation, gay sex, etc., is objectively sin.
Your question revolves around RESPONSIBILITY. Whether a mental illness resolves us of responsibility. It's a very,very good question, and I'm sorry so many people have not grasped it's importance. For some, they just don't GET IT that a manic state can cause you to do things that you would never otherwise do, and which you greatly regret when you return to sanity, whether its promiscuity, unrestrained buying sprees, foolish business investments, or getting into public fights. They don't know the heartache, guilt, and shame that mania brings when you come back down to reality again. For others, they don't have a concept that consent of will plays a role in responsibility.
I am a Christian. More specifically I am a Catholic, and the Catholic Church has been mulling this question over for 2000 years now and has some good ideas to share about it, even if you aren't Catholic.
First, we know from Scripture that there are two kinds of sin: there is a sin not unto death (aka a venial sin) and a sin unto death (a mortal sin) -- 1 John 5:16. Think of a mortal sin as a sin which seriously cuts off your relationship with God, which compromises your salvation. IOW, the "death" is eternal death. We're not talking about stealing a piece of pizza here. What makes a sin a mortal sin? The Catholic Church has, after hundreds of years of thought and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, come up with the following criteria, which I would like to suggest to you:
- It has to be an objectively grave matter. That means the sin has to be something serious to start with.
- The sinner must fully understand that it is a sin.
- The sinner must fully consent to sin.
In the case of someone in a manic state being promiscuous, there is not full consent to sin. The biochemical nature of the illness mitigates the responsibility. Thus the sin is venial, not mortal.
Which is Catholic-ese for saying, Yes, it IS a sin, but you are not going to lose your salvation over it. You do still need to repent of it, and return to the Lord.
And that Lord is a Lord of Love and grace and mercy. He didn't die on the cross for a bunch of perfect people, but for all of us messed up ones. He lived here among us. He understands.
If you are bipolar or schizoaffective, and want to talk to me about this personally, send me a PM.
