[sinkspur]

I was learnt that if one allowed himself to be complicit in another's sin, (read the 1962 Roman Missal for "examination of conscience")then that was a sin in and of itself. I know this is "old school," but has that advice been abandoned?

Ask O'Malley. And the Pope. Not me.

[As you well know...]

How old are you? Have you never heard it is sinful to be an accessory to another's sin via various behaviors?

Frequently Asked Questions about BEING AN ACCESSORY TO ANOTHER'S SIN

1. Can a person be held accountable before God for the sins of another person?"

2. In which ways can a person be held accountable for the sins of another person?"

3. I heard that there were nine ways in which a person can be an accessory to another's sin?"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. 1. Can a person be held accountable before God for the sins of another person?

A. Yes. While "sin is a personal act, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them." (Catechism of the Catholic Church # 1868)

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-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. 2. In which ways can a person be held accountable for the sins of another person?

A. A person is held accountable for the sins of another in the following ways:

- by participating directly and voluntarily in them;

- by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them;

- by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so;

- by protecting evil-doers. (C.C.C. # 1868)

Return to Table of Contents -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Q. 3. I heard that there were nine ways in which a person can be an accessory to another's sin?

A. Under the old teachings of the Catholic Church, the faithful were asked to memorize the nine ways of being an accessory to another person's sins. The following consist of the old teaching:

(1) By counsel;

(2) By command;

(3) By consent;

(4) By provocation;

(5) By praise or flattery;

(6) By concealment;

(7) By partaking;

(8) By silence;

(9) By defense of the ill done.

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. I know I am "old school" and I know that my sins are FAR WORSE than any O'Malley could possibly committ, yet, that is what I was learnt. Ought I abandon what I was taught?