-->Library>>Moral Theology in a Nutshell >> Moral Principle: Scandal
Leading other people into sin, either by bad example, poor teaching, or the appearance of sin.
Within the human family, and even moreso the Catholic family, we are responsible for one another's spiritual welfare. Our sins affect every other person in some way. Leading someone to sin is a grave evil because it jeopardizes their immortal soul. We must always be careful to be aware of the message our actions send others.
When we sin, and especially if people know that we are serious about our faith, we can send the message that the sin is not a sin afterall.
Some people who disagree with certain aspects of the moral law teach others that evil is good or that good is evil, leading others into sin.
We must not perform any action that may be perceived as sinful to others, even when it is not actually sinful. St. Paul tells people not to eat meat dedicated to pagan gods, not because eating such meat would be sinful but because others would think eating the meat indicated embracing paganism and foresaking Christ.
