Another Question regarding Mortal Sin

[rosaelima]

I am scrupulous. I see sin in pretty much everything. The biggest thin lately however has been food. I try and eat fairly healthy and have recently lost weight.

But everytime I eat, i worry that i am overeating. When i have seconds I worry I am committing gluttony, am i? Especially, i feel so sinful and guilty for eating dessert or a chocolate bar, is it a mortal sin to eat something just for the taste of it?

Basically, when does Glutiny become a mortal son? I worry all day and night, i have peace one minute, eat candy or do something else, and then start to worry. Any help is appreciated!

 

[George_Stegmeir]

Since you state that you are scrupulous, your best bet would be to go to your nearest Catholic Rectory and ask to see a priest.
Unfortunately, many people with your condition are afraid to do this because they fear getting an answer they psychologically cannot accept. What you should do is explain to the priest about your scrupulous nature and perhaps ask him to refer you to a Catholic Psychologist or Psychiatrist. The two together (priest and counselor), can not only answer your questions, but can also help you to overcome your affliction.

 

[whoisdiss]

I feel you, I can not do anything without worrying if It will lead me into mortal sin or not. Like you said, peace one minute and then worrying about mortal sin the next. Regarding gluttoney, it only becomes mortal sin if you are causing harm to you or others by doing it. Any other time it is venial sin.

 

[praestat_fides]

Listen to your body. When you are full then stop eating. Your body gives you the “hunger” signal for a reason and the “full” signal for a reason. Also, continue to eat healthy foods. As for the desserts…well once in a while they are OK… but not too often. Look at the gospels: every time we turn around Jesus was out to dinner at somebody’s house. He seemed to enjoy himself. I bet he had desert once in a while.

 

[sunburst2014]

Listen to your body. When you are full then stop eating. Your body gives you the “hunger” signal for a reason and the “full” signal for a reason. Also, continue to eat healthy foods. As for the desserts…well once in a while they are OK… but not too often. Look at the gospels: every time we turn around Jesus was out to dinner at somebody’s house. He seemed to enjoy himself. I bet he had desert once in a while.

Well said! In terms of food, I would say that eating because one is bored is most likely gluttony. Having seconds may just mean you are hungry. Dessert once in a while is probably alright too.

Along the same lines though, I would say that wasting food is also gluttony. That’s not to say force yourself to eat everything even if you are full. What I am saying is, maybe start with a smaller portion and if you are still hungry after that, go for seconds. Too often I see people start with a huge portion they just cannot finish and end up throwing that food away.

 

[Auntie_A]

I am scrupulous. I see sin in pretty much everything. The biggest thin lately however has been food. I try and eat fairly healthy and have recently lost weight.

But everytime I eat, i worry that i am overeating. When i have seconds I worry I am committing gluttony, am i? Especially, i feel so sinful and guilty for eating dessert or a chocolate bar, is it a mortal sin to eat something just for the taste of it?

Basically, when does Glutiny become a mortal son? I worry all day and night, i have peace one minute, eat candy or do something else, and then start to worry. Any help is appreciated!

I would never try to undermine a priest’s approach to a highly scrupulous approach to sin, but, with your eating and worry issues accompanying that problem, I would like to draw your attention to a bigger picture. Anxiety disorder includes: worry, scrupulosity, eating issues, body image disorder, repetitious and addictive behavior, obsessions, and a host of related issues. There might be some chemical imbalances that create these problems. Treat one symptom and the others might begin to decrease.

It might be good to seek counseling; but find a counsellor who can help you with the difficult behaviors while encouraging a healthy Catholic conscience. Some priests might be helpful in making a referral; I actually know of a few priests who are psychologists.

Noticing such a problem is a big first step; seeking help is the next step. Good luck

 

[phil_at_dayboro]

I guess everyone might have their own take on the word Gluttony …
Having a huge meal is not in itself Gluttony , but going back for a third plate is,
Eating a whole big block of chocolate is not, but have one or more every day ,yes it is
Everything should be done in moderation,
Plus , please don’t get to obsessed with your own failings, even obsession should be taken in small doses,

 

[ready]

There are I think 5 different kinds of gluttony spelled out by St. Thomas Aquinas. If you wish to have desserts, just try to limit them: what I mean is, just don’t eat them all of the time. Eat until just before you become full or at least stop eating when you start to feel full. These things should not be too hard for you to do, should they? God bless you.