Some time ago one of my students asked me why "delectatio morosa" about having sex was a mortal sin. He gave the following example: someone who is going to be ordained a priest can imagine to the last detail his ordination, and no sin commited. If I'm getting married why is a sin to imagine to the last detail my marriage? It would be very interesting to have different viewpoints.

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), May 11, 2000

Answers

The term "delectatio morosa" has been in use by theologians by centuries. I found it in a book for youth guidance. At the time I thought this expression was commonly known, but somehow I was curious to find where it came from. I went to St. Thomas Aquinas' Summa Theologica in Internet and I found the complete text of this theological masterpiece. With a little patience I came to the definition I was looking for. Here it is for you: delectatio morosa, i.e. the pleasure taken in a sinful thought or imagination even without desiring it.

Enrique

-- Enrique Ortiz (eaortiz@yahoo.com), May 12, 2000.