07-27-2011, 08:58 PM
I have always believed that normally one should not reveal something that is told in confidence except under extraordinary circumstances (such as a life being endangered.) What does the Catholic Church teach about this?
(07-27-2011, 09:11 PM)DesperatelySeeking Wrote: [ -> ]If you give somebody your word to keep a secret, you're bound by your word....even if circumstances change or if the other person deceived you.
Quote:But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath. But let your speech be, yea, yea: no, no: that you fall not under judgment. James 5:12
But I say to you not to swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God. Matthew 5:34
(07-27-2011, 09:17 PM)Someone1776 Wrote: [ -> ](07-27-2011, 09:11 PM)DesperatelySeeking Wrote: [ -> ]If you give somebody your word to keep a secret, you're bound by your word....even if circumstances change or if the other person deceived you.
But, what if Mr. X made me take an oath that I would not reveal that he was going to make a surprise visit his estranged wife....and she was then subsequently found murdered. Would I not be obligated to reveal what I know to the authorities?
(07-27-2011, 08:58 PM)JayneK Wrote: [ -> ]I have always believed that normally one should not reveal something that is told in confidence except under extraordinary circumstances (such as a life being endangered.) What does the Catholic Church teach about this?
(07-27-2011, 09:11 PM)DesperatelySeeking Wrote: [ -> ]But what it boils down to is, if you give somebody your word to keep a secret, you're bound by your word....even if circumstances change or if the other person deceived you.
(07-27-2011, 09:37 PM)miss_fluffy Wrote: [ -> ]I am wary of making promises to keep things in confidence. It usually involves causing you to lie in order to keep said confidence.