Priest today said lusting for someone (thoughts) is just as bad as actually cheating (sex)?

[Anonymous]

Back it up a minute. This is basically arguing that God acts as a thought police.

If that is the case, no one is ever making it to heaven.

Our thoughts are not our actions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Did anyone else's priest discuss similar today in the reading and homily?

Fantasizing about cheating is "adultery in your heart..." i.e. just as bad as the actual act of sleeping with someone. Is that genuine Catholic doctrine? He also segued into something about viewing pornography is essentially cheating too.

I think porn is disgusting, exploitative, and should be outlawed but I had never heard the argument that you shouldn't watch it because it's literally cheating on your spouse.

I think thinking of something by yourself without the aid of someone else’s likeness (thoughts) is different from using another person to help you along- especially when the entire industry is exploitative.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is why I don't listen to sermons. Priests aren't more intelligent or wiser than average. This particular gem was very stupid.

And no, it's not Catholic doctrine. He's just incredibly insecure in his vows, that one

I don't think I'll ever understand whole groups of people that take advice on topics presumably from a person with zero points of reference.

[Anonymous]

You sound only have eyes for your spouse.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd guess at least 50% of all married American men view porn? Lot of de facto cheating going on.

Women view porn too…. Probably more than you’d care to know.

How do you know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is why I don't listen to sermons. Priests aren't more intelligent or wiser than average. This particular gem was very stupid.

And no, it's not Catholic doctrine. He's just incredibly insecure in his vows, that one

I don't think I'll ever understand whole groups of people that take advice on topics presumably from a person with zero points of reference.

You don’t think priests fantasize about sex?

[Anonymous]

It's definitely evangelical. I knew some. Thought crime for being human...if you thought someone was pretty, or good looking in any way, you were to repent..lol

[Anonymous]

If you were listening, it was in the Gospel reading yesterday: Matthew 5:17-37. My priest didn't dwell on that part though.

[Anonymous]

OP my reaction is the latest is trying to minimize actual cheating. No one can control their thoughts. So this is like saying everyone cheats so why are we making a big deal about actual adulteres. Feels very gross like protecting powerful people who do bad things.

[Anonymous]

This is not an uncommon teaching.

Like truthfully, can you tell me is this new to you?

For example, and this is just one… Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds that’s a Zionism teaching.

Do you know what the 10 Commandments are?

Thou shall not covet your neighbor’s wife. Are you familiar with this concept?

[Anonymous]

Agree- absolutely nothing new in this sermon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP my reaction is the latest is trying to minimize actual cheating. No one can control their thoughts. So this is like saying everyone cheats so why are we making a big deal about actual adulteres. Feels very gross like protecting powerful people who do bad things.

That is complete bullshit. Of course you can minimize your lusting after other people.

My reaction is you’re trying to minimize your ability, control your mind and your thoughts.

Believe me if you never think about it you’re never gonna do it. When people say it “just happens”… no it didn’t you thought about it for a long time

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP my reaction is the latest is trying to minimize actual cheating. No one can control their thoughts. So this is like saying everyone cheats so why are we making a big deal about actual adulteres. Feels very gross like protecting powerful people who do bad things.

That is complete bullshit. Of course you can minimize your lusting after other people.

My reaction is you’re trying to minimize your ability, control your mind and your thoughts.

Believe me if you never think about it you’re never gonna do it. When people say it “just happens”… no it didn’t you thought about it for a long time

Agree.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP my reaction is the latest is trying to minimize actual cheating. No one can control their thoughts. So this is like saying everyone cheats so why are we making a big deal about actual adulteres. Feels very gross like protecting powerful people who do bad things.

That is complete bullshit. Of course you can minimize your lusting after other people.

My reaction is you’re trying to minimize your ability, control your mind and your thoughts.

Believe me if you never think about it you’re never gonna do it. When people say it “just happens”… no it didn’t you thought about it for a long time

Agree.

The most perfect Catholics have graced us with their presence. We should be so honored to have you both here.

[Anonymous]

This AI-related response tells it like it is.

According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2517-2523), impure thoughts are only sinful when deliberately entertained, consented to, or enjoyed, rather than merely passing temptations. While Jesus warns that lustful thoughts in the heart constitute adultery (Matt 5:28), they become mortal sins only with full knowledge and deliberate consent.

Key aspects of the Catholic perspective on impure thoughts:
Temptation vs. Sin: Initial, involuntary thoughts (temptation) are not sinful; they are part of the human experience and should be rejected rather than welcomed.

Consent is Key: A sin is committed when the will consents to, cherishes, or delights in the impure thought, thereby "feeding" it.
Grave Matter: Deliberately harboring thoughts of a sexual nature constitutes "grave matter," violating the 6th and 9th Commandments.

Responsibility: One is responsible if they place themselves in occasions of sin (e.g., viewing inappropriate media) that provoke these thoughts.