Is it possible to sin by accident?

Answer 1

No, it is not possible to sin by accident. Strictly speaking, an accident by its nature means that there was no consent of the will and circumstances beyond one's control led to an unhappy result. You are not culpable for an accident.

For a sin to be committed mortally there are three conditions that must be met:

1. The person must understand that what they are about to do is a sin.

2. It must involve grave matter.

3. There must be full consent of the person's will.

One other note: you are able to sin by omission, that is, by neglecting to do something. If you have a responsibility and forget to do it, or are in a position that requires a certain knowledge or qualification and you fail to secure it and accidents that could have been avoided then happen, you are culpable of them.