Concept Detail

Stealing/Theft

glossary_term

Unjustly taking and keeping the property of another, against the reasonable will of the owner (2408). Stealing is a violation of the seventh commandment of God, "You shall not steal."

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Catechism Passages

Passages ranked by relevance to Stealing/Theft, from most closely related outward.

§2408 CHAPTER TWO YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF

The seventh commandment forbids theft, that is, usurping another's property against the reasonable will of the owner. There is no theft if consent can be presumed or if refusal is contrary to reason and the universal destination of goods. This is the case in obvious and urgent necessity when the only way to provide for immediate, essential needs (food, shelter, clothing . . .) is to put at one's disposal and use the property of others. 190

Catechism of the Catholic Church © Libreria Editrice Vaticana