[maryz]

You seem to grasp the implications of mortal sin, but don't forget (as too many Catholics seem to) that, while "grave matter" is a necessary condition for mortal sin, the other conditions (full knowledge and full consent of the will) are also necessary, and these are interior matters that can't usually be known by the observer.

I saw an article in First Things a few months ago in which the author mentioned medical/psychological conditions that apparently affect culpability -- he thinks these are part of the grounds for "Judge not, that ye be not judged." Condemn wrongful acts, certainly, but I've always found it more salutary to worry about my own spiritual state than to draw conclusions about that of others -- my own opinion, anyway!

[Forest Keeper]

... the other conditions (full knowledge and full consent of the will) are also necessary [conditions for mortal sin], and these are interior matters that can't usually be known by the observer.

Yes, I can imagine there are lots of instances where an honest, but less mature, person might not be sure if he was sinning. Therefore, it "might" actually be possible that for the exact same act, it might be a mortal sin for one, but not for the other. I usually use John Kerry as my official whipping boy on the issue we are talking about, so I doubt he is unaware of the official Catholic position on abortion. :)

Condemn wrongful acts, certainly, but I've always found it more salutary to worry about my own spiritual state than to draw conclusions about that of others -- my own opinion, anyway!

Fair enough. But when it comes to liberals, sometimes I just can't help myself. I hope that's not a sin! :)