In this case the word is used to refer not so much to the person or act that causes the shame, but to the reaction itself. In moral theology, however, scandal signifies not so much something shameful and therefore likely to cause a reaction of indignation and outrage, but something that provides occasion and incitement to the sin of another . If charity obliges us to assist our neighbor in his spiritual and temporal necessities, it obliges us still more strongly not to cause him spiritual loss or ruin. The word scandal occurs a number of times in Sacred Scripture, and appears to be used in various senses. In these instances He used the word in the sense of offense or shock to the recipient's moral feeling.
Theologians make certain distinctions in treating of scandal.
The incitement to the sin of another by word or deed may be indirect or direct. It is indirect if the sin is not intended, although it may be foreseen as inevitable or at least likely. The scandal is direct if the sin of another person is intended as a direct consequence of one's word or action. If the giver of scandal has the specific intention of expressing his own hatred of God by inciting another to sin, he is said to be guilty of diabolical scandal, because quite clearly he is doing the devil's work by his evil action. The immediate effect of scandal can be only the temptation to sin, not sin itself.