Reply Obj. 3: Derision considered in itself is less grievous than backbiting or reviling, because it does not imply contempt, but jest. Sometimes however it includes greater contempt than reviling does, as stated above, and then it is a grave sin. _______________________
QUESTION 76
OF CURSING
(In Four Articles)
We must now consider cursing. Under this head there are four points of inquiry:
(1) Whether one may lawfully curse another?
(2) Whether one may lawfully curse an irrational creature?
(3) Whether cursing is a mortal sin?
(4) Of its comparison with other sins. _______________________
FIRST ARTICLE [II-II, Q. 76, Art. 1]
Whether It Is Lawful to Curse Anyone?