Matthew

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Subject: What are Mortal and Venial sinis

Bible Note: Yet another opinion by a Catholic on mortal/venial sins. In my opinion, the problem with this classification is that one can conclude that they really aren't that much of a sinner, just some venial sins. Venial sins don't even have to be enumerated in confession, just say a few and then follow up with "for these and other venial sins, I am heartily sorry". (Not that that is Catholic doctrine, but certainly it's Catholic practice, IMO.)

In my personal experience, mortal sins weren't a risk (except maybe missing Mass, especially on Holy Days that popped up out of nowhere), so I could conclude I was doing pretty well. What a horribly dangerous thought to entertain!! I know that many family members of mine feel the same way to this day.

It is only through reading the Bible and other Christian reading that I came to realize that my sins were real sins that were separating me from God, and I finally became repentent. It is at that point that I was saved.

As for scriptural reference, Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, equated lust with adultery (Mt 5:27), thus equating a venial sin with a mortal sin.

My study bible (Life Appl Bible, NLT), has the 1st John verse as follows:

1John 5:16 .. But there is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray for those who commit it."

With a note that commentators differ widely on what this sin that leads to death is, such as blasphemy against the H. Spirit, partaking in communion in an unworthy manner, people who left Christian fellowship and rejected their salvation, etc.