Regarding God, we do not refer to Him as possessing a soul, in the conventional sense. Instead, as God, He embodies pure spirit, similar to the angels. Nonetheless, there are instances where we discuss the angelic soul. Yet, it is not customary to refer to a divine soul. God ultimately exists in simplicity, devoid of parts or distinctions as such. God simply is. Since “soul” denotes the life-giving essence of a living organism, we must assert that God neither has nor requires a life-giving essence, as He is being itself. He is uncomplicated, indivisible, and, while exhibiting qualities akin to a soul, is entirely spirit.

Mortal sin

Question: Is there a distinction between an action that is a serious matter and one that is inherently wrong? Can an inherently wrong deed carried out with adequate awareness and consent be considered a venial sin, or is it always classified as a mortal sin?

— Marian Newman, Gaithersburg, Maryland

Answer: An inherent evil is an action that, by its very essence (ex genere suo) is malevolent. Consequently, it is likewise chaotic and immoral.

It does not necessarily imply, however, that every wrongdoing associated with an intrinsic evil is grave. One explanation is what you have stated — specifically, that a person might commit an intrinsically evil act but without complete consent of the will or without adequate contemplation.

Nonetheless, even in the scenario you outline — specifically, an inherent evil executed with complete willingness of the will and adequate comprehension — it does not automatically imply that a mortal sin is perpetrated.

Consider, for instance, a falsehood, which is defined here as stating something incorrect with the intent to mislead. A lie is, by nature, wrong. Nevertheless, not every lie constitutes serious offense. Some (often referred to as) courteous lies can be classified as minor matters. Minor untruths do not undermine a significant, serious, or fundamental truth. Often, they are expressed simply to compliment or to safeguard someone’s feelings. Yet, such untruths, even if they are minor, are inherently unethical and ought to be avoided.

However, there are significant lies and minor ones. Certain lies inflict considerable damage and misrepresent crucial information, and therefore, could definitely be considered mortal sins. Yet, not every lie, despite being fundamentally wrong, meets the criteria for a mortal sin due to its trivial nature. Consequently, not every intrinsic evil equates to a mortal sin.

Not every mortal sin necessarily contains an inherent evil. Occasionally, it is the surrounding factors that make it mortal. For instance, sexual relations are not inherently wrong—between spouses, it is both good and sacred. However, it is seriously sinful between two individuals who are not married. In this instance, it is the context, rather than the action itself, that is misguided and sinful.

Hopefully, these differences will aid in clarifying that although the idea of intrinsic evil and mortal sin are connected, they remain separate and do not necessarily coincide.

Bells at Mass

Question: In my former parish, they tolled bells at the raising of the host and chalice. In my current parish, there is only silence. Which tradition is accurate?

— Name withheld

Answer: The sound of bells during the elevation is allowed but not obligatory (General Instruction of the Roman Missal, No. 150). Therefore, this is a question of local practice rather than a matter of correctness. Historically, when the Mass was primarily spoken softly and the priest faced the altar, the bells acted as a cue to notify the congregation of the elevation. Some contend that this is now redundant due to the Mass being in the vernacular, which is clearer and more apparent. Conversely, others believe that the ringing of bells enhances the sacredness and reverence of the occasion.

Msgr. Charles Pope is the pastor of Holy Comforter-St. Cyprian in Washington, D.C., and writes for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. at blog.adw.org. Send questions to msgrpope@osv.com.