Topic: Is spending the night with a person of the opposite sex wrong?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: December 8, 2002

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. Robert

Question:   Person in Charge, Thank you for your time. I have a very quick moral question. I was wondering if spending the night with a person of the opposite sex, without any temptation of any sexual activity, was considered unacceptable in the eyes of the church. With my religious background I am sure that I already know the answer to this question, yet my curiosity led me to this site. Thank you again for your time. Sincerely, Laura

Answer: 

Laura,

The way you asked the question leads me to say it wouldn't be unacceptable. However, we have to be aware of what is called the "near occasion of sin." We need to strive to avoid putting ourselves in situations where the temptation to sin may be strong.

Hope that helps,
Father Robert