(CATHOLIC) How are sins of thought distinguished by kind?
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I hope one of you can answer a theological question I have!
My question is: how are sins of thought, and sins depicted in media, distinguished by species/kind?
As an example: let’s imagine a person watched a horror movie that had graphic scenes of murder and torture. Since those are two distinct ‘species’, or ‘kinds’ of sin in real life, are they also distinct sins when consumed through media?
And my question is the same in regard to sins of thought: as an example, let’s say a person indulged impure thoughts. Is their species, or kind, simply a ‘lustful thought’? Or are they distinguished by the thoughts’ contents (ex. Adultery, rape, etc.)?
Those are just two examples, but my question pertains to all instances where thoughts, or media consumption, are sinful. This question is also important in regards to the sacrament of Confession. As Catholics, we are obliged to confess our mortal sins in “number and kind”—how are these sins distinguished by “kind”, so we know how to properly confess them (in the event they are mortally sinful)?
Is there any church teaching or definite answer on this matter that you can reference? Thank you and may God bless you all!
Asked by emmeline
(1 rep)
Mar 15, 2026, 04:41 PM