Morals of the Church
Library › Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology › Volume II › Book III. On the Aids of the Christian Life, or on the Sacraments › Treatise V. On Penance › Dissertation II. On the Sacrament of Penance › Part II. On the Ministration of the Sacrament of Penance › Section II. On the Ministration of the Sacrament of Penance to Certain Persons in Particular › Chapter IV. On the Confession of Those in Occasions of Sin › Article II. On Some Occasions in Species

Section — Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology

§ V. On Theatrical Spectacles

471.

I. Theatrical spectacles can be dangerous both by reason of themselves and by reason of dances which are inserted; and rather often, because of the dancers' dress, manner of dancing, and lascivious gestures, they strongly excite to venereal things.

II. As regards the proximate occasion which they are naturally suited to constitute, hold these things:

  1. Very immodest spectacles and dances are a proximate occasion for very many. Likewise spectacles notably contrary to religion create grave danger for many.

  2. Fairly immodest spectacles and dances are a relative occasion; lighter ones are a grave danger for some (St. Alphonsus, III, 427).

  3. If spectacles are attended especially for hearing music, the danger is more easily removed, provided the theaters are not too foul. And as regards dances, it must be noted that spectators can more easily leave on occasion of them.

III. In doubt whether a spectacle which will be exhibited is shameful or contrary to religion, to attend it is of itself illicit. Besides this, the confessor should prudently turn penitents away, especially from attending public theaters, also for this reason: because frequenting theaters, just as frequenting dances, promotes levity of mind and diminishes devotion.

Theatrical Spectacles