Listening to gossip

[Holly3278]

Hey everyone. I have a question. Is it a mortal sin to listen someone gossip? I visit a friend sometimes and he will sometimes just start gossiping about another person. Well, I don't want to listen to what he has to say because I have no interest in gossip but he does it anyway and so I listen. However, I don't let what he says have any affect on how I view the other person he is talking about. Is this a mortal sin?

[maltmom]

Originally Posted by Holly3278

Hey everyone. I have a question. Is it a mortal sin to listen someone gossip? I visit a friend sometimes and he will sometimes just start gossiping about another person. Well, I don't want to listen to what he has to say because I have no interest in gossip but he does it anyway and so I listen. However, I don't let what he says have any affect on how I view the other person he is talking about. Is this a mortal sin?

I would think that if the information that is being passed on is not the truth or it's true and does harm to someone's reputation it would be a mortal sin. It is still gossiping to listen. If you feel strongly about not listening I'd tell the other person that I really don't want to listen. Then remind them that if the person wanted me to know that information they would tell me themselves.

[meltzerboy]

Originally Posted by Holly3278

Hey everyone. I have a question. Is it a mortal sin to listen someone gossip? I visit a friend sometimes and he will sometimes just start gossiping about another person. Well, I don't want to listen to what he has to say because I have no interest in gossip but he does it anyway and so I listen. However, I don't let what he says have any affect on how I view the other person he is talking about. Is this a mortal sin?

I realize you're Catholic, but according to Judaism, the listener of someone who gossips is also committing a sin. I don't think it's the Jewish equivalent of a mortal sin, however. The person who initiates the gossiping is committing a greater sin.

[nfreak141]

Just don't join in on it. If anything, admonish your neighbor.

When your friend says "He/She is such a pain, he did this, blahblahblah"
You say "I'm sure there is a reasonable explanation behind what he/she did."

[bz5]

I knew a wonderful lady who would say as soon as gossip started, "Oh, please don't tell me, I like to form my own impressions." Since he's already used to gossiping to you, I think the most practical thing is to assume a bored expression, let your eyes wander, and immediately change the subject as soon as he pauses. He should get the hint. Even if it weren't sinful to listen to gossip, you're allowing him to persist in his own sin.

[Bookcat]

From Jimmy Akin of Catholic Answers:

http://jimmyakin.com/2006/05/psst_did_you_he.html