Is it a sin to believe in dreams?
It is somewhat difficult to know what thisquestion involves. Everyone dreams and so dreams happen. They are a part of the normal sleeping process and usually are related, according to scientists, to the subconscious mind and the "rewinding" of thought patterns. In both the Old and New Testament, God occasionally used dreams for His special purposes and for divine revelation. However, now that public revelation is finished until the end of the world, it is unlikely that God would use people's dreams for private revelation, although this is always possible. On the other hand, understanding dreams as some kind of private revelation from God when they are not or as some way to foretell the future could be a sin of superstition. Unless one is certain about the origin of dreams, it is always best to assume they are natural and not supernatural in anyway. It is impossible to commit any sins while sleeping and dreaming.
Reprinted November 19, 1999
What is nepotism? Is it a Sin?
It means the favoring of one's relatives in considering promotions. It could be a sin in Church promotions if such favoritism would result in unworthy persons assuming positions of authority in the Church or if there were any harm done to souls or to the goods of the Church because of such favoritism. There are currently Church laws at tempting to prevent nepotism in the Church. For instance, a bishop may not appoint his relatives to have any financial authority or position in his diocese. In past centuries nepotism had caused much damage to the Church, with unworthy nephews of popes, for instance, being appointed cardinals.
Reprinted October 15, 1999
What if you are not sure if some sin is venial or mortal?
A. The quickest and easiest answer is to encourage you to check with a priest,
who should have the skill to help you in your problem. Certain thoughts, words,
acts or failures to act involve what is called serious matter. If there is
sufficient deliberation about such things and full consent of the will, these
are mortal sins, which end our friendship with God. The seriousness of the
matter can be determined by the object, purpose, and, in some situations,
the circumstances involved. Read the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which
has an
Reprinted May 14, 1999
Is it allowed to lie in politics?
Lying, deliberately telling an untruth for the purpose of deception, is always
intrinsically evil. It is never permitted. This is a law of God.
Reprinted from September 25, 1998
What is the sin of rash judgment?
This is supposing, without doubt but also without sufficient evidence, that
someone has committed a sin. It violates the right of everyone to the good
opinion of others, unless one has lost this by misconduct. It is usually a
venial sin because it merely lessens or tarnishes one's good reputation. However,
it could be a serious sin if it gravely damages the fame of some person or
institution.
Reprinted from July 3, 1998
If a person steals just
small sums of money or goods over a number of years, each of these thefts
being a venial sin, is it true then that even if the total amount is quite
large, all these venial sins cannot add up to one mortal sin?
Sin is in the will. If it is the intention of a person to steal a large amount of money or property, but to do this in small installments, the sin of such a person is undoubtedly mortal. However, it is true that there is no number of venial sins which can add up to a mortal sin, since these evils are of a different category. Remember, however, that all sins of theft cannot and will not be forgiven without just and complete restitution to the lawful owner of the money and property. Confession and absolution are needed for the pardon of such sins, but they are not valid unless restitution takes place. Venial sins of theft, when restitution is not made in this world, will be expiated in purgatory after death by the thief.
Reprinted from April 24, 1998