1 John 5:16-17: sin leading to death likely refers to physical death, not Catholic mortal/venial sin distinction

Mike explains the two main interpretive options. (1) Catholic interpretation: mortal sins (lead to death = lose salvation) vs. venial sins (purgatory). Mike strongly rejects the Catholic doctrine of purgatory as requiring the sufferer to provide satisfaction for sin themselves, which undercuts Christ's atonement. (2) Mike's preferred view: the passage refers to physical death—some sins literally cause people to die (disease from fornication, violent retribution for adultery, etc.). In this case, "do not pray for that" means there is no longer an opportunity for repentance after physical death. This reading actually argues against praying for the dead (against Catholic practice).