Confessing pornography

[Someboy113]

Hi. I have been struggling with scrupulosity badly recently, and I’ve been going to confession every week for many weeks now. Many weeks ago, I confessed pornography for the last time and haven’t viewed it since. However, when I confessed it, I was not specific on what types of porn I used to watch. Some were really bad. I’ve been worried sick that maybe I should go reconfess and be more specific about the types. Also, I’m considering reconfessing a different sin that I confessed two days ago because I fear I was not specific enough. Any answers are helpful. Please pray for me, scrupulosity is consuming me.

 

[Wesrock]

To get back on topic, trust in the priest’s absolution. If you’re struggling with scrupulosity and you don’t have a spiritual director yet, it might be beneficial to schedule an appointment with your priest to discuss your scrupulosity and get some tips, if you haven’t already. Maybe he or your parish can help you find a spiritual director to help be a check on your scrupulosity.

 

[mVitus]

I have been struggling with scrupulosity badly recently

If you’re struggling with Scrupulosity, it would be best to speak with a priest about it. If you ask questions here, the conflicting answers are not likely to help, but instead make your struggle harder. But if you speak to a priest, he will be able to help guide you in knowing how to go forward. Peace be with you.

 

[Edmundus1581]

Previously answered in Ask An Apologist

How specific in confession? Ask an Apologist

If a person has committed a sexual sin, such as pornography or masturbation, can the sin in name only be given? Or do you have to go into detail about what kind of porn it was (like if it was homosexual in nature, soft vs hard, etc.) or in the other case, what you fantasized about (like if it were a really dark fantasy)?

Answer (from Fr Serpa):

You need to name the sin. But you don’t have to go into detail.
For example, just saying “fornication” is enough. One would not have to explaine more about it–unless the priest asks for clarification. When I hear Confessions, if the person confesses having stolen, I always ask what it was that was stolen. It could be five dollars or a Honda SUV. The sin needs to be clearly stated.