The Fr. Mike Schmitz Catholic Podcast

Can I Sin in My Dreams?

Apr 19, 2024

Exploring whether dark dreams can be sinful and the impact of waking thoughts on dream content. Understanding that dreams lack free will and cannot be considered sinful. Emphasizing the importance of guarding our minds and seeking divine protection through prayer.

04:51

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Quick takeaways

Dreams themselves cannot be sinful, only reflections of waking thoughts and influences.

Mindful consumption of positive influences during waking hours can impact dream content and promote peaceful dreams.

Deep dives

Understanding Intrusive Thoughts and Sin

Intrusive thoughts, whether awake or asleep, can be dark but are not sins unless indulged with consent and action. Sin is defined by the conscious choice to go against what is known to be wrong, unlike dreams where free will is absent. Dreams, being subconscious, lack the freedom to sin, serving more as reflections of our waking thoughts and influences on our mind.

The nature of dreams and sin

3min

The Significance of Guarding Our Hearts and Minds in Waking and Dream States

2min

Have you ever had dark, disturbing dreams? If you did, did you feel guilty when you woke up? Did you have some vague sense of shame that such dreams came from your mind?

If you’ve ever experienced this, you might have even wondered whether or not such dreams could be considered “sinful.” Fr. Mike is here today to give you the short answer—no, dreams themselves cannot be considered sinful—and the long answer… what are you doing during your waking hours that could be feeding these dark dreams?

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