Author Topic: backbitting.... (Read 939 times)

spouse of Jesus · « **on:** August 21, 2010, 03:37:50 PM »

Is it sinful even if we don't mention names of people and if our listeners have no way of guessing whom we are speaking about?

wallflower · « **Reply #1 on:** August 21, 2010, 04:23:03 PM »

I guess it would depend on context. Is the person relaying stories just for the sensational fun of their audience or are they looking for advice on how to handle the situation? Is the person satisfying a vengeful feeling or are they using the story as an example of warning and/or edification? The motivation behind why someone is talking about someone else is a large factor in whether or not it is sinful, even if the audience could not guess who it is.

spouse of Jesus · « **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2010, 04:37:16 PM »

Some people need to speak about their sorrow and they get conslosed by having a shoulder to cry on. But it means speaking about wrongs others did to them. I wonder if it is bachbiting.
Also, it is a custom here for elders to go "investigate" about the future son/daughter in laws. it means going to the neighbours, friends, co-workers etc. of that person and make sure that no problem exists. it is considered a duty here to tell the truth if you really knows something important. Can it be backbiting?
Some also think that telling bad things about your very close family members (children, siblings spouses) is not sinful, or that one's mother/spouse can be told about anything even wrong actions of others. Is it right?

Emerentiana · « **Reply #3 on:** August 21, 2010, 07:37:52 PM »

Quote from: spouse of Jesus

Some people need to speak about their sorrow and they get conslosed by having a shoulder to cry on. But it means speaking about wrongs others did to them. I wonder if it is bachbiting.
Also, it is a custom here for elders to go "investigate" about the future son/daughter in laws. it means going to the neighbours, friends, co-workers etc. of that person and make sure that no problem exists. it is considered a duty here to tell the truth if you really knows something important. Can it be backbiting?
Some also think that telling bad things about your very close family members (children, siblings spouses) is not sinful, or that one's mother/spouse can be told about anything even wrong actions of others. Is it right?

Get guidence on this matter in the confessional! Best place.....not opinions of lay people!

CM · « **Reply #4 on:** August 22, 2010, 01:04:39 PM »

When Catholics know of sins of another, we admonish them privately. If they do not heed the admonition, we bring another. If they still do not listen, we bring the Church (if we actually have access to Catholic clergy). If then still they do not heed the admonition, and their sins are of such a nature that they are likely to cause harm, injury or loss to another person, then of course it is not sinful to reveal the sins, as a spiritual act of mercy, that the person may be punished and corrected by the lawful authorities, and so no one else may be hurt.

This must all be done with a view to helping them.

JoanScholastica · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2010, 04:13:50 AM »

Quote from: Emerentiana

Quote from: spouse of Jesus
Some people need to speak about their sorrow and they get conslosed by having a shoulder to cry on. But it means speaking about wrongs others did to them. I wonder if it is bachbiting.
Also, it is a custom here for elders to go "investigate" about the future son/daughter in laws. it means going to the neighbours, friends, co-workers etc. of that person and make sure that no problem exists. it is considered a duty here to tell the truth if you really knows something important. Can it be backbiting?
Some also think that telling bad things about your very close family members (children, siblings spouses) is not sinful, or that one's mother/spouse can be told about anything even wrong actions of others. Is it right?

Get guidence on this matter in the confessional! Best place.....not opinions of lay people!

It might be true but - if I'm not mistaken - Spouse isn't a Catholic.