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Why is an impure thought a sin?


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stinkymajinkyJan 13, 2006 1:01am
If a person leads a good life and does not act upon impure thoughts, then why is an impure thought a sin? We as humans are flawed without any doubt and for many of us it's hard enough to be faithful followers and to be as Christ like as we can. Consequently, I think all of us have impure thoughts, I think to deny that would be a lie which of course is another sin. So what gives?

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Ewtn2000Apr 4, 2006 1:10pm
As broken humans, impure thoughts will enter our minds, and that along is not sinful, it is what we do with those thoughts that determines weather they become sinful or not. We become responsible for all entertained thoughts in our mind and imagination. If any thoughts, phastasms, etc. enters uninvited and we dislike it or is displeasing to us, we can ignore it or place our mind on other matters, then I see no sin within those limits. In fact, our resistance is an act of the virtue of purity. Now if we entertain the thoughts and add to them and dwell on them, this reflect the desires of our heart.

ochochochoMar 9, 2007 11:19am
i suppose a thought or "phantasm" that ENTERS our minds cannot be attributed to us, and therefore we are not accountable for its being there (unless of course it was permited to enter because of some other thing we did wrong...).however, this is not normally the root cause of impure thoughts. the heart is, to borrow from Calvin, an "idol factory", and if the root of the impure thought is our own heart, then we are responsible for the thought, whether we 'act' or 'entertain' it is another matter.
Indeed, it is "hard enough" to be faithful followers, and CHrist-like. (impossible, I might argue.) Thankfully, there is One who is faithful, not to mention perfect, and His perfection (no impure thoughts there), are attributed to all who claim them in His name; as if they themselves had been perfect. I may not be able to keep my thoughts pure, but I will Gratefully (and desperately) cling to the One who has!
lizzyMar 11, 2007 8:26am
Well..we realy cant help it sometimes..and God made us that way..to a certain extent..i mean he gave us imagination..and he gave us desire..if we didnt get hungry and desire food then we would starve..our human drives are quite powerful..i make up little films in my head..it comforts me sometimes..but if you watch a lot of films theres always romance in them..some times you catch yourself and realise you might be sinning in your head but i think God would forgive us..especialy when we know theyre just fantasies and wouldnt make any difference to how you would act in RL..

but no doupt some take their fantisies to far and become obsessed.

jorishApr 23, 2007 1:03am
well... I must say, "fantasy" thoughts do have impact. For me, as many boys, I've had a lot of struggling with impure thoughts. I have to think of that text, Jesus saying "blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."
He adds, one must not think in lust about someone, for that's equal to adultary in His eyes.

Ofcourse, Lord forgives us for such thoughts (if we ask Him) as Jesus payed the price for all our sins

The tenth of the ten commandmends, it's "Thou shalt not covet (the neighbour's house, neighbour's wife, etc.)" - so the just having in your heart some sinful longing is in itself sin
lizzyAug 31, 2007 3:11pm
If you dont act on them eventualy they will go away..youl grow out of them..im sure God must forgive us for unintentional fantasis because im sure so many people unwittingly have them.

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Ewtn2000Oct 8, 2007 9:36am
But you are acting on them... you are indulging yourself in sinful thought. That is an action, yet not a physical one, but a sinful action none the less....

davidblythOct 8, 2007 1:19pm
Thought can direct or mislead one - manage them, ask for help, pray.
Failing to address misleading thoughts appropriately is encourages them.


Why is an impure thought a sin?

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