Is this a sin?

One of the issues that inhibits our understanding of sin is exposed whenever someone asks me “is it a sin???”  The problem in answering the question is that it isn’t usually that simple.

In days gone by it was very simple because the process that went on in the heads of priests when dealing with sin stayed there, in their heads; it was then applied to the specific situations of their flock.  Now people are much more informed about the “grey areas”, however, this brings on confusion – or a race to absolve everyone of all sin – because, while many people know there is a grey area, they don’t generally know very well how to apply the principles involved, especially to themselves.  Confused yet?

You see, there is an objective side to sin – which is always well defined (some might call it “black & white”); then there is a subjective side to sin, that is – how is the seriousness, situation, awareness, and intention - and therefore the guilt - of the sin understood in this instance? ...and when do each of these issues bear on subjective guilt??? (because sometimes the best of intentions are still objectively and subjectively wrong, wrong, wrong!!!)

The objective side to sin recognizes that a particular sin is either “serious matter” (aka: grave matter) or something less serious.  It recognizes a particular matter as sinful (or less so) in all cases.  Thus, abortion is always the taking of an innocent life and is therefore a very serious – or grave – matter.  Kicking your dog, while objectionable, is less so and not always so.  Thus, recognizing serious ( or “grave”) matter is simply a matter of knowing the scriptures and the teaching of the Church.

This only becomes an issue when some people take it upon themselves to determine whether or not something is sinful.  This has been an issue since Adam & Eve.  Unfortunately for Adam & Eve - and for many of us since, we don’t get to decide whether something is a sin or not – ONLY GOD AND HIS CHURCH GETS TO DETERMINE THAT.  So, we must always be mindful of God’s plan for human life and happiness, and bend our will to His.

The subjective sense of sin is about discerning the issue in a particular instance.  This involves questions of – Did the person know it was wrong?  Did the person freely choose to do that which is wrong?  Among other things.  It can be helpful to seek the counsel of another, especially one who is serious about, and experienced in spiritual matters, in difficult situations or when there is a question in one's heart (or when one's conscience is "niggling" one over the issue).  Priests are very happy to assist with these questions.

So, you see, “Father, is it a sin?” isn’t always such a simple thing to answer.  This is particularly true when too many people ask the question in order to condemn another, not because they are concerned about the sinfulness of their own actions.

Please, never be afraid to ask the question.  I’m always happy to help faithful Christians to understand the Church’s teaching on matters of sin.  I’m even more eager to forgive sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) and to assist all of God’s children in experiencing the hope and peace that comes from our salvation in Christ.