3 Questions Catholics Google About Sin—And Answers You Need to Know!

Ever Googled “Is this a sin?” 🤔 You’re not alone.

On this episode of The Catholic Talk Show, Ryan Scheel, Ryan Dellacrosse and Fr. Mac Hill tackle some of the most common questions Catholics ask about sin. Here are three sins they discuss!

1. Is working on Sundays sinful?
Fr. Mac says the Fourth Commandment calls us to honor the Sabbath, ideally through rest, family time and worship. However, circumstances matter. “If that’s the ideal, then we have to look at the less-than-ideal situation. If you’re in a job where it’s unavoidable—like the medical field, where people still get sick on Sunday—obviously you’re going to have to work.” He suggests requesting Sundays off though, if possible. “A lot of people don’t realize, but you can at least ask. The worst they can do is say no!”

2. Are tattoos against Church teaching?
While Leviticus 19:28 prohibits markings on the body, Fr. Mac points out that not all Old Testament laws apply under the New Covenant. Tattoos rooted in vanity or idolatry can lead to sin, but meaningful designs, such as a cross or tribute to a loved one, aren’t inherently sinful. “You can get a tattoo that has meaning, one that represents something for you,” he says.

3. Is gambling morally acceptable?
Whether it’s buying a lottery ticket or betting on sports, gambling can raise moral questions. The Catechism (2413) teaches that games of chance aren’t sinful, but can become morally wrong if they interfere with your responsibilities or ability to provide. Fr. Mac explains: “Every time Jesus speaks about money, He’s incredibly clear: sell what you have, give to the poor, and store up treasure in Heaven. That should shape our attitude toward gambling too.”

Want to hear more from Fr. Mac about your questions on sin? Watch this episode below! 👇

What other Catholic questions have you googled before?

Credit: George Ryan via ChurchPOP