Sexual Sins: Catholic Guide To Lust And Purity

what are sexual sins catholic

The Catholic Church teaches that sexual intercourse is sacred and good, but reserved for marriage between a man and a woman. This teaching is rooted in the creation account of Genesis Book 1, Chapter 1, where God creates man in His image, making them male and female. The Bible reads, God blessed them, saying, 'Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it'. This understanding is reflected in Jesus' response to the Pharisees' question regarding divorce: Have you not read that at the beginning the Creator made them male and female...For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.

The Catholic Church's position on sexual sin is that sexual relations, of all kinds, are forbidden outside of marriage. The following sexual activities are considered sinful according to Catholic teaching: lust, voyeurism, masturbation, contraception, fornication, homosexuality, polygamy, polyamory, pederasty, pedophilia, rape, sodomy, and bestiality. These activities are considered unlawful and requiring confession and repentance, regardless of civil law.

The Church's teachings on sexual morality are derived from natural law, canonical scripture, divine revelation, and sacred tradition, as interpreted by the magisterium of the Catholic Church. Sexual morality evaluates sexual behaviour according to standards laid out by Catholic moral theology, providing general principles for Catholics to determine whether specific actions are acceptable.

Characteristics Values
Sexual relations outside of marriage Forbidden
Sexual relations within marriage Blessed by God
Sexual sins Lust, voyeurism, masturbation, contraception, fornication, homosexuality, polygamy, polyamory, pederasty, pedophilia, rape, sodomy, bestiality
Mortal sins Very serious, involve a serious matter, and do involve the full consent of the will
Venial sins Don't constitute a serious matter, don't involve the full consent of the will
Abortion Murder of innocent human life
Homosexuality Homosexual attractions are not sinful, but homosexual acts are

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Homosexuality

The Catholic Church's stance on homosexuality is complex and often contentious, with conflicting views between the Church and some in the LGBTQ+ community. While the Church does not consider same-sex attraction to be inherently sinful, it does regard the act of engaging in sexual activity with someone of the same sex as a grave sin against chastity.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, a text outlining the dogmas and teachings of the Church, describes "homosexual acts" as "intrinsically immoral and contrary to natural law" and characterises "homosexual tendencies" as "objectively disordered". The Church teaches that homosexual persons are called to chastity and must abstain from sexual activity. This is based on the belief that all sexual acts must be open to procreation and express the symbolism of male-female complementarity, which cannot be achieved through homosexual intercourse.

However, the Church also emphasises that individuals with same-sex attraction "must be accepted and treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity", and that all forms of unjust discrimination should be avoided. This includes discrimination in areas such as marriage, employment, housing, and adoption, which the Church considers just and, in some cases, obligatory.

The relationship between the Catholic Church and the LGBTQ+ community has been strained, particularly during critical moments such as the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. While some Catholic organisations have campaigned against LGBTQ+ rights, there have also been instances of senior clergy and popes calling for increased support for LGBTQ+ individuals. Pope Francis, for example, has taken a notably different approach by expressing support for civil unions for same-sex couples and publicly denouncing sodomy laws.

In summary, while the Catholic Church condemns homosexual behaviour as a sin, it also calls for compassion and respect towards individuals with same-sex attraction, navigating a complex path between doctrinal teachings and evolving social attitudes.

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Masturbation

The Catholic Church's position on masturbation is based on its understanding of the purpose of sexual expression. According to Catholic doctrine, sex is intended to be an expression of love between a married man and woman and a means of procreation. This expression of love is sacred and good, but it is reserved for marriage. The Bible states that before the man and woman come together as husband and wife, they are first blessed by God (Genesis 1:27-28). This blessing is reflected in the marital act, which is a physical expression of the couple's covenant of life and love, uniting them as "one flesh" (Matthew 19:46).

The gravity of the sin of masturbation is further emphasised by its classification as a mortal sin. Mortal sins are those that involve a serious matter and are committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent. They break our relationship with God and can lead to spiritual death. However, it is important to note that the Church acknowledges the influence of psychological factors, such as adolescent immaturity or habit, which can lessen or even eliminate moral responsibility.

While masturbation is considered a grave sin, the Catholic Church emphasises the importance of redemption and forgiveness. Individuals struggling with masturbation or related issues are encouraged to seek help from a priest or spiritual advisor who can provide guidance and support.

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Pornography

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, pornography is a sin because it "perverts the conjugal act, the intimate giving of spouses to each other". It also "does grave injury to the dignity of its participants (actors, vendors, the public), since each one becomes an object of base pleasure and illicit profit for others".

The Church understands that many people are trapped in pornography addiction and wants to help them experience God's love and healing. In 2015, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) issued an official document on pornography entitled "Create in Me a Clean Heart: A Pastoral Response to Pornography". The document aims to educate Catholics on the dangers of pornography and offer hope to those addicted or affected by it.

The Church provides various resources and tools to help individuals overcome pornography addiction and grow in chastity, including confession, Holy Mass, and other sacraments. With God's grace and the support of the Church, individuals can break free from the slavery of this sin and experience true freedom and healing.

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Adultery

The Bible also condemns adultery, with the Book of Exodus stating, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." While the Bible does not explicitly define what constitutes adultery, it has been interpreted to refer to sexual intercourse between a married woman and a man who is not her husband. In the Hebrew Bible, Leviticus 20:10 defines adultery as such and prescribes capital punishment for both parties involved.

The Catholic Church teaches that sexual relations are reserved only for marriage between a man and a woman. Any sexual activity outside of this context is considered a sin, including lust, voyeurism, masturbation, contraception, fornication, homosexuality, and polygamy, among others. These activities are considered unlawful and require confession and repentance.

It is important to note that the temptation to commit adultery is not a sin in itself. Jesus Christ himself was tempted, yet he never sinned. Thus, it is the act of adultery that constitutes the sin, not the desire or temptation.

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Contraception

The Church's position on contraception is based on its interpretation of marriage, sex, and the family, as well as its understanding of 'natural law'. According to Catholic doctrine, sex has two purposes: to be procreative and unitive within the context of marriage. The Church believes that using artificial contraception breaks the natural connection between these two purposes, turning sex into a non-marital act and giving humans the power to decide when a new life should begin—a power that belongs only to God.

The Church forbids sex outside of marriage and only allows 'natural' birth control methods, such as periodic continence or natural family planning. This involves abstaining from sex during a woman's fertile period or using self-control to regulate sexual activities in harmony with nature.

The Bible mentions at least one form of contraception specifically and condemns it. In Genesis, Onan is commanded by his father to father children for his dead brother. However, knowing that the offspring would not be considered his own, Onan "spilled his seed on the ground" (Gen. 38:8-10). This act displeased God, and Onan was killed. This story has been interpreted as a condemnation of coitus interruptus, with Onan's actions seen as a violation of the natural law built into the human race by God.

The Catholic Church's stance on contraception has remained unchanged, even as other Christian denominations have relaxed their positions. In 1968, Pope Paul VI issued the encyclical Humanae Vitae, which reemphasized the Church's constant teaching that it is always intrinsically wrong to use contraception to prevent new human beings from coming into existence. The Church maintains that contraception is gravely opposed to marital chastity and contradicts the good of the transmission of life and the reciprocal self-giving of spouses.

While some may view the Church's position as outdated or oppressive, it is rooted in a thorough analysis of the issues involved and supported by scriptural interpretations, natural law arguments, and the belief that contraception undermines the sacredness of marital love and the creation of life.

Frequently asked questions

The Catholic Church's position on sexual sin is that sexual relations, of all kinds, are forbidden, except between an adult married couple: one biological male and one biological female.

The following sexual activities are examples of sexual sin according to Catholic teaching: lust, voyeurism, masturbation, contraception, fornication, homosexuality, polygamy, polyamory, pederasty, pedophilia, rape, sodomy, and bestiality.

The Catholic Church teaches that abortion is the murder of innocent human life: always, all the time, no exceptions. This is a mortal sin, and those who procure an abortion are automatically excommunicated from the Catholic Church.

The Catholic Church opposes all forms of artificial contraception. This is because the purpose of sex is both unitive and procreative within the context of marriage.

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