Keaki Bryant
Gossip is a common issue in many areas of life, from the workplace to schools, universities, and even families. While it may seem harmless, it is toxic and disruptive, and the Catholic Church considers it a sin. Gossip falls under the eighth commandment, which states that one should not bear false witness against their neighbour. The Church defines gossip as disclosing another person's faults and failings without a valid reason, which undermines or destroys their reputation. This act is considered a grave action, and if done with full knowledge and deliberate consent, it becomes a mortal sin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Gossip is a sin against | The eighth commandment: you shall not bear false witness against your neighbour |
| Gossip is a sin when | It negatively alters the opinion another has regarding a third person |
| Gossip is a sin when | It is done with full knowledge and deliberate consent |
| Gossip is a sin when | It is not a common news item |
| Gossip is a sin when | It is not done out of a valid reason, such as helping someone or reporting a crime |
| Gossip is a sin when | It is not done out of necessity, such as an employer evaluating an employee with a colleague |
| Gossip is a sin when | It is not done to help someone process a difficult situation |
| Gossip is a sin when | It is not done to seek counsel |
| Gossip is not a sin when | It is done to Jesus |
| Gossip is not a sin when | It is done to seek help |
What You'll Learn
Gossip is a sin against the eighth commandment
Gossip is a common phenomenon in workplaces, schools, universities, groups of friends, and even families. There is a morbid curiosity to know the sins and faults of others and to pass them on. Even as we engage in gossip, we recognise that it is toxic and disruptive of harmony and charity, yet we continue to indulge in it.
The term "gossip" is colloquial and refers to idle talk about others' affairs, especially their faults. There are two principal sins against the eighth commandment that fall under the general term "gossip": detraction and slander. Detraction is disclosing, without valid reason, another's faults and failings to persons who did not know them. For example, it would be gossip or detraction to reveal that someone was drunk at a party, was caught speeding, or was having an affair. We all make mistakes, but we don't want others to know about them. Once a good reputation has been damaged, it is almost impossible to restore it completely.
The other sin is slander, also called calumny, which consists of telling lies that harm the good reputation of another. This is a more serious sin, as it leads others to think that someone committed sins they never committed. It is a sin against charity, justice, and truth, as we all have a right to a good name.
Scripture is very clear about the evil of gossip. For example, in the book of Proverbs, we read, "A perverse man spreads strife, and a whisperer separates close friends" (Prov 16:28). Gossip can easily break up friendships and destroy the precious good of a good name.
To avoid the sin of gossip, we should show no interest in listening to or passing on gossip, and we should look for opportunities to say something good about the person being maligned. We can end the conversation by saying, "Let's pray for him or her". In short, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
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Detraction and slander are two principal sins that fall under gossip
Gossip is a common phenomenon in many areas of life, from workplaces to universities and even families. It is a sin that principally goes against the eighth commandment: thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. The eighth commandment protects an individual's right to a good name, which gossip undermines or destroys.
Gossip falls under two principal sins: detraction and slander. Detraction is defined as "revealing the sins of another without necessity". It is the unjust damaging of another's good name by revealing a fault or crime of which the other is guilty or believed to be guilty. Detraction is a mortal sin, as it violates the virtues of charity and justice. The degree of sinfulness depends on the amount of harm caused and the character of the person making the accusation.
Slander, on the other hand, is attributing to someone a fault that one knows they are innocent of. It involves a twofold malice: the damage done to the neighbour's reputation, and the act of lying. Slander is considered more serious than detraction as it leads others to believe falsehoods. Like detraction, it is a sin against charity, justice, and the truth. Slander is described by Pope Francis as a "diabolical cancer" that seriously damages the Church.
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Gossip is more serious than most people consider
Gossip is a common phenomenon in workplaces, schools, universities, friend groups, and even families. It is a sin against the eighth commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour." Gossip undermines or even destroys another's reputation and is considered a toxic behaviour that disrupts harmony and charity.
Gossip is a more serious matter than most people consider. It is defined as disclosing, without an objectively valid reason, another person's faults and failings to those who did not know them. This can be particularly harmful when it negatively alters the opinion of the person being gossiped about. If done with full knowledge and deliberate consent, it becomes a mortal sin.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2488-89) states that while everyone has the right to the communication of the truth, this right is not unconditional and must conform to the gospel precept of fraternal love. It is important to judge whether it is appropriate to reveal the truth to someone who asks for it, considering charity and respect for the truth.
To avoid gossip, one should ask themselves if they would want their own faults and failings disclosed to others. Additionally, one should consider if the person they are sharing the information with needs to know it. It is important to respect the privacy of others and only disclose information in exceptional circumstances, such as when there is a valid reason to reveal a hidden fault that could cause harm.
Gossip can have destructive effects not just on the person being gossiped about but also on those spreading it, as it destroys trust and motivation in various areas of life. It is essential to recognize the seriousness of gossip and its potential to cause harm.
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The Catholic Church recommends eliminating gossip
The Catholic Church teaches that gossip is a toxic and disruptive behaviour that can destroy relationships and harm one's reputation. It is recommended that individuals show no interest in listening to or spreading gossip, and instead, focus on saying something good about the person being maligned or changing the subject. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to pray for the person being gossiped about and to refrain from engaging in "holy gossip", which is gossiping under the pretense of asking for prayers.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2488-89) emphasizes the importance of charity and respect for the truth in communication. It states that one should judge whether it is appropriate to reveal the truth to someone who asks for it, considering the good and safety of others, respect for privacy, and the common good.
Eliminating gossip can be challenging, but it is important to recognize its negative impact and strive to build authentic relationships based on love and respect, rather than engaging in harmful behaviour that can lead to sin.
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Gossip can lead to the removal of Jesus from your heart
Gossip is a common phenomenon in many areas of life, including workplaces, schools, universities, and even families. It is often tempting to indulge in, but it is toxic and disruptive, and can have destructive effects on those involved.
The Catholic Church considers gossip a sin, principally against the eighth commandment: "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour". Gossip undermines or destroys another person's reputation and good name, which is something that everyone has a right to. The Book of Proverbs reads, "Where words are many, sin is not wanting; but those who restrain their lips do well" (Proverbs 10:19).
Gossip can take the form of detraction or slander. Detraction is disclosing another person's faults or failings without a valid reason to someone who did not know them. Slander, or calumny, is telling lies that harm another person's reputation. Both types of gossip are serious sins against charity, justice, and the truth.
St. Padre Pio, a Catholic saint, said, "When you gossip about a person, it means that you have removed the person from your heart. But be aware, when you remove a man from your heart, Jesus also goes away from your heart with that man". This is a powerful reminder that engaging in gossip can lead to the removal of Jesus from one's heart.
To avoid the sin of gossip, it is important to show no interest in listening to or spreading it. Instead, one should look for opportunities to say something good about the person being maligned or to remove oneself from the situation. It is also crucial to examine one's intentions when sharing information about others and to pray for guidance in this area.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, gossip is considered a sin in Catholicism. It is a violation of the eighth commandment, "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour". Gossip is considered toxic and disruptive, and can be extremely harmful to the person being discussed.
Gossip is idle talk about others, especially their faults. It is disclosing another person's faults or failings without a valid reason to someone who does not know about them.
There are two principal sins that fall under the umbrella of gossip: detraction and slander. Detraction is revealing someone's faults, while slander, or calumny, is telling lies that harm another's reputation.
Gossip becomes a mortal sin when it negatively alters the opinion of a third person and is done with full knowledge and deliberate consent. It is a grave matter and can have destructive effects on the person being discussed.
It is important to show no interest in listening to or spreading gossip. If someone starts gossiping in your presence, you can try to stop it by saying something good about the person being discussed, or by leaving the situation. Focus on respecting others and their privacy, and only share information when there is a valid reason to do so.
