When does a thought become a sin?

[Twentie Fow]

Sup Fellow Catholics,

When immature, sexual, profane etc. thoughts pop in my head, I ignore them in an attempt to block them out. From things people say, images around me (the way women dress), and actions of people spawn thoughts that my Spirit hates. Are these thoughts that instantaneously pop in my head sins? Are these thoughts temptations? What distinguishes a sinful thought from a temptation? Is it only a sin when I give into this thought and continue to keep it in my head? I have been puzzled over this question for a while. I would be very thankful if someone could clarify this for me.

Peace be with you

[phatcatholic]

[quote name='Twentie Fow' date='Aug 23 2005, 09:14 PM']Sup Fellow Catholics,

When immature, sexual, profane etc. thoughts pop in my head, I ignore them in an attempt to block them out.  From things people say, images around me (the way women dress), and actions of people spawn thoughts that my Spirit hates.  Are these thoughts that instantaneously pop in my head sins?  Are these thoughts temptations?  What distinguishes a sinful thought from a temptation?  Is it only a sin when I give into this thought and continue to keep it in my head?  I have been puzzled over this question for a while.  I would be very thankful if someone could clarify this for me. 

Peace be with you,

Dan Foose
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[/quote]
impure thoughts and temptations pop into our heads all the time. this i think is normal and natural. we are only sinning when we entertain these thoughts, dwell on them in our minds, or act on them.

instead of trying to "block" these thoughts, you should replace them w/ better ones. usually when we block or suppress thoughts and feelings, they only become stronger. but, when we replace them w/ good and pure things, then we are bringing good to a bad siutation. this i think is much more effective.

so, when you see a beautiful woman and you are struck by an impure thought, replace it w/ something like "God is good" or "i love you Jesus" or "Lord have mercy." also, since it was a sight that prompted the thought, change your scenery. some people call this "custody of the eyes." don't stare at provocative magazine covers. change the channel if you are watching a show. set your eyes forever on the Lord.

i hope that helps

pax christi,
phatcatholic

[thessalonian]

[quote name='Twentie Fow' date='Aug 23 2005, 09:14 PM']Sup Fellow Catholics,

When immature, sexual, profane etc. thoughts pop in my head, I ignore them in an attempt to block them out.  From things people say, images around me (the way women dress), and actions of people spawn thoughts that my Spirit hates.  Are these thoughts that instantaneously pop in my head sins?  Are these thoughts temptations?  What distinguishes a sinful thought from a temptation?  Is it only a sin when I give into this thought and continue to keep it in my head?  I have been puzzled over this question for a while.  I would be very thankful if someone could clarify this for me. 

Peace be with you,

Dan Foose
[right][snapback]696536[/snapback][/right]
[/quote]

When I struggle with impurity I pray a Hail Mary. Know that she is the model of purity and holiness and wishes to assist us with the grace of her son in striving for the perfection God granted her. It helps alot. When does it become a sin? Yes, when you keep it in your head and dwell on it. When you linger on it and look back. Mortal? No, this is a ways from that yet, but it is headed down that path. As phat said also, basically redeem the thought. Change it in to a Godly moment rather than a sinful one. Give praise to God for the beuaty he has put on this earth.

Edited August 24, 2005 by thessalonian

[thessalonian]

Perhaps this is a good place to post this verse. I don't recall reading it before.

1Thes.4
[1]
Finally, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, you do so more and more.
[2] For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
[3] For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from unchastity;
[4] that each one of you know how to take a wife for himself in holiness and honor,
[5] not in the passion of lust like heathen who do not know God;
[6] that no man transgress, and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we solemnly forewarned you.
[7] For God has not called us for uncleanness, but in holiness.
[8] Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

We must strive for purity. Not easy to do in this sex filled society. Yet God demands it.

Edited August 24, 2005 by thessalonian

[Twentie Fow]

Thanks for clarifying this for me everyone! Peace be with you...

[Benedict]

St. Benedict writes in his Holy Rule, "When evil thoughts come into one's heart, to dash them against Christ immediately."

I usually make the sign of the cross on my forehead.

[Guest JeffCR07]

As the others have said, they are not sins, they are temptations. Sinning comes from the will, and cannot exist without the will. A temptation may arise spontaneously, and seek to draw your will into sin, but the temptation itself is not a sin. Thus, when an impure thought pops into your head without your consent, it will try to draw your will to embrace that thought, though it remains in your power to resist or to submit. If you resist, then all you have dealt with is a temptation, and you have, by the Grace of God, not fallen into sin. If however, you submit, and embrace the thought with your will, then the thought, which was previously a temptation, becomes a sin.

Your Brother In Christ,

Jeff