Author Topic: Swimming and Beaches (Read 1358 times)

Matthew · « **Reply #1 on:** October 29, 2007, 04:36:13 PM »

Depends on whether or not the beach is an occasion of sin.

Social/family concerns do not permit what is otherwise sinful. So if your family met at an immodest beach (which you would never go to by yourself), why would you go there just because a family get-together was being held there?

Occasion of sin is a serious affair. All too many people throw caution (and wisdom) to the wind and throw themselves headlong into occasions of sin -- ignoring the constant admonitions of their priest -- and lament about "how weak they are".

One must pray for the strength of will to avoid occasions of sin -- or sin will follow.

Intentionally going into an occasion of sin -- without sufficient reason -- is itself a sin.

In Christ,

Matthew

Matthew · « **Reply #2 on:** October 29, 2007, 04:38:22 PM »

Perhaps you could influence them to choose a more private location -- some kind of lake, swimming pool, etc.?

Exposing oneself to sin is not necessary for a person to take legitimate recreation -- that much is certain.

Matthew

JoanScholastica · « **Reply #3 on:** October 29, 2007, 04:52:44 PM »

Quote from: ChantCd

One must pray for the strength of will to avoid occasions of sin -- or sin will follow.

Exposing oneself to sin is not necessary for a person to take legitimate recreation -- that much is certain.

That's true.

Quote from: ChantCd

Intentionally going into an occasion of sin -- without sufficient reason -- is itself a sin.

But this, I don't understand. I'm sure people aren't the same. That said, is it still a sin (no matter how strong you are in resisting evil) going to an occasion of sin?

Dulcamara · « **Reply #4 on:** October 31, 2007, 03:01:38 PM »

My understanding is that it is a sin to knowingly subject yourself to an occasion of sin.

Picture this... a man who has a vice of impurity, who knows that if he goes to a certain website, he will be tempted to go to one linked to it where he can see impure pictures. He knew with fair certainty that would be the result before he went. If he goes anyway, he surely commits a sin.

A beach is such an occasion. It's a matter of both how people are dressed AND how they behave! If you are there, you (and your family/children) cannot avoid seeing these things around you. You know this before you go. Why go?

A sad side effect is most of us Catholics probably do a lot less swimming these days, but really, it is much better if Catholic swimming is done somewhere private (eg, only Catholics will be attending) and those in attendance have modest swim wear (even harder than finding a place to swim privately). This way you know that everybody will be modest, nobody will be exposed to certain temptation. A family swimming pool is a good idea, or maybe a lake.

But I think when we look at the matter it becomes clear, even if it means we simply cannot swim in our circuмstances, to expose oneself or others to occasion of sin is obviously sinful. If you go to swim thinking the place will be deserted, and a crowd of bikini babes suddenly storm your private get together... then the occasion of sin isn't your fault.

Happywife · « **Reply #5 on:** October 31, 2007, 03:18:18 PM »

The church has set guidelines for modesty. These are to be followed to matter where you are and no matter what activity you are engaged in. If you can perform the activity (in this case swimming) while dressed according to the rules of the church than you are fine.

Being on a beach with others who are badly dressed could be an occasion of sin for many so it is definately to be avoided I would think. If you were so fortunate as to secure a private beach or quiet little spot for yourself, go ahead and enjoy!

Happywife · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2007, 03:19:44 PM »

Quote from: Dulcamara

If you go to swim thinking the place will be deserted, and a crowd of bikini babes suddenly storm your private get together... then the occasion of sin isn't your fault.