# Internal sin

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{{short description|Sin committed by the inner activity of the mind}}
'''Internal sin''', in Christianity, is the idea that [sin](/source/sin) may be committed not only by outward deeds but also by the inner activity of the mind, quite apart from any external manifestation.<ref>{{citation |author=Aquinas, Thomas|title=Summa Theologiae}}</ref> The concept of [heresy](/source/heresy) existed earlier, but the [Reformation](/source/Protestant_Reformation)'s alarms received new emphasis at the [Council of Trent](/source/Council_of_Trent) (Session XIV, chapter. v).{{clarify|date=January 2026}} The session, while reiterating that all [mortal sin](/source/mortal_sin)s must be confessed, singled out the unspoken ones that "sometimes more grievously wound the soul and are more dangerous than sins which are openly committed".<ref>{{citation |title=The Catholic Encyclopedia: An International Reference|year=1912|editor=Herbermann et al., Charles}}</ref>

Three kinds of internal sin are usually distinguished by [Catholics](/source/Catholicism):
* ''delectatio morosa'', the pleasure taken in a sinful thought or imagination even without desiring it;
* ''gaudium'', dwelling with complacency on sins already committed; 
* ''desiderium'', the desire for what is sinful.<ref>{{citation |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14004b.htm|title=Sin|publisher=New Advent|accessdate=11 May 2014}}</ref>

== Biblical quotes==
* [Matthew](/source/Gospel_of_Matthew) 5:28 ''But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart''.
* [Romans](/source/Epistle_to_the_Romans) 6:12 ''Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires''.

==See also==
* [Cathar](/source/Cathar)
* [Inquisition](/source/Inquisition)
* [Orthodoxy](/source/Orthodoxy)

== References ==
{{reflist}}

Category:Religious law
Category:Sin in Christianity

{{Christian-theology-stub}}

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