[sinkspur]

With such a definition we have a whole lot of people living in mortal sin. If the Church’s rules are followed to the letter, there would be few people at the communion rail.

Actually, with such a definition, there may not be as many people living in mortal sin as you think. Full, deliberate consent, grave matter, and full knowledge. Mortal sin separates one from God essentially; it ruptures the relationship.

Think of something that you do that can rupture the relationship between you and another person. There are things (such as losing one's temper or negligence) that can damage it, but it takes almost a premeditated act to kill a relationship with someone.

The present state, where Catholics think nothing is a mortal sin, is a reaction to years and years of Catholics thinking everything was a mortal sin. Catechesis is needed to bring our understanding back into balance.

[american colleen]

The present state, where Catholics think nothing is a mortal sin, is a reaction to years and years of Catholics thinking everything was a mortal sin.

I think Fundamentalists could be put into the 'everything is a sin' category, but not Catholics - not now and not ever. When has drinking or dancing or gambling (except to excess) been thought a sin?

[R. Scott]

The present state, where Catholics think nothing is a mortal sin, is a reaction to years and years of Catholics thinking everything was a mortal sin.

The attraction of Calvinism?

There are things (such as losing one's temper or negligence) that can damage it, but it takes almost a premeditated act to kill a relationship with someone.

Maybe my cynicism is a bit too heavy, but I see it on a daily basis, almost as if people think anything is OK as long as they don’t get caught.

[armydoc]

Actually, with such a definition, there may not be as many people living in mortal sin as you think.

Is missing Sunday Mass without a "valid" reason a mortal sin? Polls consistently show that only 25-35% of self-identified Catholics attend Mass weekly. Is the sacrament of Penance (sacramental absolution; confession) necessary for forgiveness of mortal sin? Polls consistently show that only 10-30% self-identified Catholics attend confession regularly (and I would guess those who do attend are not primarily the ones who miss Mass frequently). Putting this all together, you have to come to the conclusion that the majority of American Catholics live in a state of mortal sin most of the time.