When are we guilty of sin when we are unaware of it?

[Shin]

The question is: How can you sin if you don't realize you are sinning?

Discussion point. Provide examples? 

[Shin]

Standards for measure? 

[Brigid]

When we are sinning and don't realize it, wouldn't it often be a sin of omission rather than commission?

[martin]

I'm thinking that sins we're unaware of could be to do with our slow progress in virtue.
I think I'm gonna have to make one of those general confessions for there are things in the past that I never thought were sinful at the time but now in hindsight I can see they were.
No doubt if the Lord spares me I'll find more in the future that I'm unaware of right now.

Re, Standards for measure... Didn't St John Vianney give a hard hitting sermon or two on that subject?
Justice in our commercial dealings is truly something to keep in mind.
 
As a stake sticketh fast in the midst of the joining of stones, so also in the midst of selling and buying, sin shall stick fast. (Si 27: 2)

[Bailey2]

Sin of omission is when you know you should do something and you don't (because you don't want to get involved, are afraid, don't want to be bothered, etc)

Interesting concept Martin, that when you look back to a long time ago you can see sin where you didn't before; not sure one is culpable for that but it certainly  is a sign of spiritual growth. 

[martin]

Interesting concept Martin, that when you look back to a long time ago you can see sin where you didn't before; not sure one is culpable for that but it certainly  is a sign of spiritual growth.

I live in hope that this is the case Baily and I don't think we can even regognize sin without the grace of God revealing it.

I had a thought once that kinda stuck with me, that if I were sitting in a dark room lets say. wearing a white Tshirt which was covered in (lets say) coffee stains. In the dark these stains wouldn't be all that apparent but if someone were to turn up a dimmer switch and gradually increase the light, the stains would become much clearer.
So maybe regognition of sin might be a sign that we're at least moving in the right direction.
Towards the light. 

[Brigid]

I had a thought once that kinda stuck with me, that if I were sitting in a dark room lets say. wearing a white Tshirt which was covered in (lets say) coffee stains. In the dark these stains wouldn't be all that apparent but if someone were to turn up a dimmer switch and gradually increase the light, the stains would become much clearer.

As St. Paul said - We see now through a glass in a dark manner; but then face to face. 1 Cor. 13:12

I would think that that would be the difference between a sin and an imperfection - that we don't realize we do sin whereas with an imperfection culpability is not an issue.

Martin, what is the point of a general Confession if you always say, "For these and all my sins" at Confession? They're already forgiven. Now, a general examination of conscience certainly would have a lot of merit, but confessing them would be not believing in His forgiveness before. A kind of blasphemy as far as I can see.

[martin]

Martin, what is the point of a general Confession if you always say, "For these and all my sins" at Confession? They're already forgiven. Now, a general examination of conscience certainly would have a lot of merit, but confessing them would be not believing in His forgiveness before. A kind of blasphemy as far as I can see.

Brigid that is an excellent point you've made and one that has never entered my mind before.
Thank you.. Shows the real value of discussing these things.

[Brigid]

Shows the real value of discussing these things.

We learn so much here! I don't take my faith for granted as much (I have a long way to go tho' ).

[Bailey2]

Good point Brigid! 
Martin, your dark and light analogy reminds me of the "dark night."

Hey, perhaps when we discover sin in the past we forgot or didn't know was sin, we can say in confession, "Hey father, I just discovered this looking back!  I figured I was absolved of it already when you say "all sins" but it was such a revelation, I just had to tell you!" 

[Brigid]

That's a good idea, Bailey.