Replies

FK: "Thanks for the Catechism. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I interpret this to necessarily mean mortal sins at a minimum (confessing required, etc.). That would mean that mortal sin is inevitable from original sin, which is what I thought the Catholic position was."

No! It does not mean mortal sins at minimum. It means ANY sin you are aware of upon reflection.

[From the Catechism:] 1425 "YOU were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God."9 One must appreciate the magnitude of the gift God has given us in the sacraments of Christian initiation in order to grasp the degree to which sin is excluded for him who has "put on Christ."10 But the apostle John also says: "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."11 and the Lord himself taught us to pray: "Forgive us our trespasses,"12 linking our forgiveness of one another's offenses to the forgiveness of our sins that God will grant us.

Well, I'm not sure I get your interpretation from the Catechism you quote. If the Catechism quotes with approval this:

1 John 1:8-10 : 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.

Then, I would think that mortal sin is strongly implied. As I understand it, venial sin does not NEED to be confessed on threat of losing salvation. For what you're saying, the above passage COULD only be referring to venial sins. Does it really read that way to you? It doesn't to me. Plus, wouldn't that be a waste if it did only refer to venial sins without saying so? That interpretation is just too forced.

“”As I understand it, venial sin does not NEED to be confessed on threat of losing salvation. For what you're saying, the above passage COULD only be referring to venial sins. Does it really read that way to you?””

No !It does not read that way to me because Confession is required at least once a month. Thus we examine our conscious to confess ANY sin we are aware of committing. I would say that those who do not go to monthly confession run the risk of falling into more serious sins. Thus the importance of confession to be constantly aware of sin

I seriously doubt there are many people who attend weekly or monthly confession that commit grave sin ie; fornication,theft,adultery etc..

That said, it leaves venial sins that we confess weekly or once a month, ie; losing our temper, swearing,laziness etc...