319 OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE THE SINS OF OTHER PEOPLE

YOUCAT Lesson 319

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

319  Are we responsible for the sins of other people?

No, we are not responsible for other people’s sins, unless we are guilty of misleading or seducing another person to sin or of cooperating in it or of encouraging someone else to sin or of neglecting to offer a timely warning or our help.  [1868]

“The last several decades have demonstrated that Hollywood, for good or ill, has the ability to shape the ideals, values and character of its consumers.  As such, the moral impact that the book Fifty Shades of Grey has on the conscience of its viewers cannot be met with casual indifference...both the book and the movie go way beyond what authentic romance truly is.  …  Mind you, to glamorize or normalize sexually aggressive acts of this nature is ... a sin against God and a rejection of his plan for his people.” --Green Bay, Wisconsin, Bishop David Ricken in his diocesan publication, “The Compass”. …319

1868

V. THE PROLIFERATION OF SIN

1868 Sin is a personal act. Moreover, we have a responsibility for the sins committed by others when we cooperate in them: 
- by participating directly and voluntarily in them; 
- by ordering, advising, praising, or approving them; 
- by not disclosing or not hindering them when we have an obligation to do so; 
- by protecting evil-doers. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition