Mortal Sin Question

[OnlySunshine]

Suppose someone who was addicted to pornography had an issue with strong temptations appearing regularly. If he/she was about to succumb to these temptations and went to the website that was the cause of the occasion to sin, but didn't view anything (like they stopped themselves before viewing anything and said a prayer), would that person still be in mortal sin and in need of Confession for going to the website? Thanks.

[Brother Adam]

A similar question was recently covered by Father "Cappie" in this thread: [url="http://www.phatmass.com/phorum/index.php?showtopic=113968"]http://www.phatmass....howtopic=113968[/url]

Theologically in the process of committing a sin (1) one is tempted, (2)then considers the sin, (3)then makes an act of the will to commit the sin (decides to do it), (4)and then commits the sin. Similar to the Tom & Jerry Cartoons where the evil cat and the good cat pop on Tom's shoulders. The evil cat proposes a sin (blow up Jerry) and the good cat acts as his conscience. Tom then considers blowing up Jerry, and then makes the decision to blow up Jerry and finally attempts to blow him up.

Once we make an act of the will to sin, we have committed a sin. Jesus says if we have even looked at a woman lustfully we have already committed adultery with her. If I decide to murder someone, have the gun and am on my way, but then choose not to murder them, I still need to go to confession and tell the priest I made up my mind to murder them. I entertained the possibility in my mind and made plans to do so. This is not as serious as carrying out the act. If you never move past the consider stage, then you have not necessarily committed a sin.

Also to be considered with pornography is whether or not a person has formed an addiction to pornography and whether or not the sin is actually mortal, or only a grave sin that does not incur separation from God like a mortal sin does. Regardless, it should be confessed and a priest can assist the person spiritually.

Finally, even if you aren't sure, go to confession anyway. Go to confession regularly. Confess your sins in kind and number.

"Pornography is a degenerate form of prostitution, for here too there is the suggestion that man can get love for money. Models and actors, producers and distributors are equally involved in this serious offense against charity and human dignity. Anyone who consumes pornographic materials, visits pornographic websites, or participates in pornographic events finds himself in the wider circle of prostitution and supports the dirty, billion-dollar business of selling sex." - YouCat Catechism 412.