Is It A Mortal Sin To Fall In Love With A Priest?

1857 For a sin to be mortal, three conditions must together be met: "Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent."131 http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c1a8.htm#1856what do you think?

What IS a mortal sin? I mean where is that in the Bible? Jesus said anything could be forgiven except blaspheming the Holy Spirit.... what happens if you commit a mortal sin?

stlizzy,my post gave the Catholic definition of what a mortal sin is, there is really not much else to say. The link to the Catechism gives more detail. Mortal sins, like any sin can be forgiven. Unlike most Protestants we believe Christians can go to hell if not in a state of Grace when we die. Sin removes Grace from us, a mortal sin does so completely. The distinction of being "mortal" is that such sin causes the Spirit and all Grace tono longer dwell in us, which means if we die in that state we would go to hell. That is our belief. I understand it is probably not yours or most of the folks here. My assumption from the OP was that this person asking the question is Catholic as no one else speaks in terms of mortal or venial sins.And BTW the mere act of falling in love by itself I would not think merits the label of "grievous" or "grave" sin. It would be a bitter thing to fall in love with someone that had dedicated their life to the service of another and we should feel for the person in such a situation. However, if we are truly speaking of love here I would think the desire of the heart would or should be tempered with the knowledge that the other has his own desires that conflict with reciprocating this love. As in many such cases, true love should set the needs of the other above oneself, which gives rise to the thought of let him go (and all the cliches that go with that).

In the book of Romans, Paul addresses this issue quite thoroughly. In Chapter 14, verses 12-14,it states, "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. Therefore, let us not judge one another anymore but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother's way. I know and am convinced by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing in and of itself; but to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean." Scripture clearly says that marriage is acceptable to God, but Paul says that he would prefer that everyone remain as he did, unmarried, so as to not take one's attention off of the Lord and the ministry of reaching people for Christ (see 1 Corinthians 7:8). But you will notice that he says not everyone can handle this. If one is tempted to be sexually immoral, it is better to marry than to burn with passion. In 1 Cor. 6:12, he says, "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." It is strictly a matter of the calling/personality/character/ of the person in question.

I don't see why it should be a sin since priests not marrying is a man-made law and not from God.

I really don't either, Jon-Marc, but for those who feel that they are set apart for a special calling of God, like Paul was, I wouldn't want to discourage them or give them the wrong advice. I don't think that anyone should do it just because they have always wanted to be a "priest" or that it applies only to priests. As a matter of fact, we are all called a "royal priesthood, a holy nation", so it really is a matter of personal conviction, not man-made tradition, as Jon-Marc said. Jesus didn't forbid anyone to marry, that I can think of. You should always pray, seek scriptures out, and ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate His Word as you are reading it, so you don't just get the answers you want to have, but you truly receive what the Lord is telling you. Also, it's good to get Christian counsel, like the book of Proverbs says, providing it's wise counsel. Be sure it's a person of consistent, Christian integrity-tried and proven.

(Jon-Marc;39808)
I don't see why it should be a sin since priests not marrying is a man-made law and not from God.
Same here,But the only thing I could see that could be a sin would be if the women lust over the man. Then it would become a problem

Well if eating meat on friday is a mortal sin, this I guess this one is just as good.Why dont people see- that this mortal sin business is just an old time scare tactic?

Men and women falling in love is a natural phenomena. If the guy loves her too, perhaps it is Gods way of showing the priest that this is not for him.Then again there is no reason he cannot serve in another church.I do not believe there is anything wrong. The wrong thing would to become a priest with a life of celibacy when he is naturally inclined toward wanting to share intimacy and love with a wife.There is always the desire of the unattainable too. Do you remember the Thorn Birds. Love is powerful and we should serve God in the state we know we can.Faithful.

Yes, we are called to be free, but Paul also adds to not let our freedom cause another believer to stumble(Romans 14:21). All freedom comes with responsibility. Just like our American freedom isn't really free, costing men and women their very lives. There's a greater freedom in loving your brothers and sisters so much that you want to see them be the best they can be for Christ and not to worry about your own agenda. See what I mean? I'm not saying "you" as in "you" literally, but in general, anyone.

(Faithful;39866)
Men and women falling in love is a natural phenomena. If the guy loves her too, perhaps it is Gods way of showing the priest that this is not for him.Then again there is no reason he cannot serve in another church.I do not believe there is anything wrong. The wrong thing would to become a priest with a life of celibacy when he is naturally inclined toward wanting to share intimacy and love with a wife.There is always the desire of the unattainable too. Do you remember the Thorn Birds. Love is powerful and we should serve God in the state we know we can.Faithful.
Just wanted to point out that he could still serve in the Catholic Church. Deacons can be married men with families.

I liked your post, Faithful. You are right on target. My post was to redletters.

(His By Grace;39883)
I liked your post, Faithful. You are right on target. My post was to redletters.
God bless HGB.

I don't think falling in love with a priest is a mortal sin, because it's not mentioned in the Bible.

(Dukester;39855)
Same here,But the only thing I could see that could be a sin would be if the women lust over the man. Then it would become a problem
Being attracted to someone or falling in love with them isn't necessarily "lust". We can't help who we are attracted to or who we love. If an unmarried couple have sex, then that is sin, of course.

I never meant that love was lust. I meant if her love causes her to LUST over the man it becomes a problem!

(His By Grace;39875)
Yes, we are called to be free, but Paul also adds to not let our freedom cause another believer to stumble(Romans 14:21). All freedom comes with responsibility. Just like our American freedom isn't really free, costing men and women their very lives. There's a greater freedom in loving your brothers and sisters so much that you want to see them be the best they can be for Christ and not to worry about your own agenda. See what I mean? I'm not saying "you" as in "you" literally, but in general, anyone.
Interesting verse you posted, I understand what you mean- but this "mortal sin" business is junk. There is only one verse ive found that talks about sins leading to death- yet the bible mentions ONLY one thats truly unforgivable. It just seems like the RCC ever since "fish on fridays" used mortal sin for a scare tactic. This isnt against you, and I respect you looking out for your friends- keeping them in check- I have nothing against that.

Agreed Red the only unforgivable sin is a form of blasphemy and all blasphemy will be forgiven men So this is a very qualified sin that can only occur one time and then only by the Elect so it is just scare tactic as you have said

Reminds me of the "The Thorn Birds" Really romantic and deeply thought-provoking.