Dealing with a Scrupulous Conscience as a Convert

[Kaikairos]

So:

I’m working on dealing with a scrupulous conscience. I will be received this Easter if everything goes according to plan, and I am still kind of concerned about the possibility of working out my salvation with a lot more fear and trembling than is necessary. If anyone in a similar boat or even anyone who isn’t has any solid advice or tips to offer on how to make this happen (Confession in general or as in the Rite, day-to-day guilt dealings), that would be just golden.

I know that reading Wojtyla’s Love and Responsibility really helped me to abstract and de-subjectivize my guilt/shame some, vis-a-vis sexual ethics. So I’m pretty confident that Catholicism in general will normalize my neurotic conscience a little bit. But I’m still fairly certain that doing confession (for the first few weeks anyway) will make for a slightly bumpier ride than my experience with L&R led me to anticipate. But to be honest, the more objective a measure you can give (if there’s anything that requires a measure to be given) the better; objectivity makes a much better master of a scrupulous conscience than subjectivity.

 

[The_Stag]

Just remember that God’s mercy is greater than any number of sins you may commit. The key is to always turn to God. My prayers go with you as you prepare to receive the Easter sacraments.

I seem to have the reverse problem of not being scrupulous enough at times and overly scrupulous at other times. In the end, the key is to always turn to God.

 

[Highwayhound]

So:

I’m working on dealing with a scrupulous conscience. I will be received this Easter if everything goes according to plan, and I am still kind of concerned about the possibility of working out my salvation with a lot more fear and trembling than is necessary. If anyone in a similar boat or even anyone who isn’t has any solid advice or tips to offer on how to make this happen (Confession in general or as in the Rite, day-to-day guilt dealings), that would be just golden.

I know that reading Wojtyla’s Love and Responsibility really helped me to abstract and de-subjectivize my guilt/shame some, vis-a-vis sexual ethics. So I’m pretty confident that Catholicism in general will normalize my neurotic conscience a little bit. But I’m still fairly certain that doing confession (for the first few weeks anyway) will make for a slightly bumpier ride than my experience with L&R led me to anticipate. But to be honest, the more objective a measure you can give (if there’s anything that requires a measure to be given) the better; objectivity makes a much better master of a scrupulous conscience than subjectivity.

When you get to the point of figuring out how wonderful confession is then you will look back and wonder? Have you ever talked over a major life issue with a good friend? That is how simple confession is. Now can we as fallen individuals get past ourselves? That is something else.

Now I am not sure if I follwed your 2nd paragraph. If I get the gist of it perhaps this might help. Can you imagine in your mind a table and on that table are your sins. Going to confession is like cleaning off that table. This might not be a straightforward objective method, but it is the best I can think of right now.

Congratulations and God bless

 

[thomas_jd]

So:

I’m working on dealing with a scrupulous conscience. I will be received this Easter if everything goes according to plan, and I am still kind of concerned about the possibility of working out my salvation with a lot more fear and trembling than is necessary. If anyone in a similar boat or even anyone who isn’t has any solid advice or tips to offer on how to make this happen (Confession in general or as in the Rite, day-to-day guilt dealings), that would be just golden.

I know that reading Wojtyla’s Love and Responsibility really helped me to abstract and de-subjectivize my guilt/shame some, vis-a-vis sexual ethics. So I’m pretty confident that Catholicism in general will normalize my neurotic conscience a little bit. But I’m still fairly certain that doing confession (for the first few weeks anyway) will make for a slightly bumpier ride than my experience with L&R led me to anticipate. But to be honest, the more objective a measure you can give (if there’s anything that requires a measure to be given) the better; objectivity makes a much better master of a scrupulous conscience than subjectivity.

A Excessive scrupular conscience can be paralyzing to spiritual development. When the priest gives absolution, remember your sins are forgiven. Focus on the difference of venial and mortal sins and you will be much better off. It works for me. God Bless and try not to be too hard on yourself.

 

[Coco82]

I am having similar issues at the moment. The thought of voicing them is…intimidating because you may wonder what will someone think of me.

 

[Poly]

I have scrupulosity. I cannot say enough about the importance of a life of prayer.

Whenever my scrupulosity becomes rather intense, eventually I realize I need to pray more. And whenever I do spend time in prayer, talking to the Lord about things – for example, my scrupulosity – I feel so much better. Also, the rosary is powerful! And if you can, spend time in a Catholic Church in silent prayer because the Lord is present there like no other place.

Sometimes when I’m being scrupulous, I realize I’m trying to figure it out on my own. Then I think, ‘Wait a second, I can talk to God about this.’ A life of prayer is so necessary.

 

[JRKH]

So:

I’m working on dealing with a scrupulous conscience. I will be received this Easter if everything goes according to plan, and I am still kind of concerned about the possibility of working out my salvation with a lot more fear and trembling than is necessary. If anyone in a similar boat or even anyone who isn’t has any solid advice or tips to offer on how to make this happen (Confession in general or as in the Rite, day-to-day guilt dealings), that would be just golden.

I know that reading Wojtyla’s Love and Responsibility really helped me to abstract and de-subjectivize my guilt/shame some, vis-a-vis sexual ethics. So I’m pretty confident that Catholicism in general will normalize my neurotic conscience a little bit. But I’m still fairly certain that doing confession (for the first few weeks anyway) will make for a slightly bumpier ride than my experience with L&R led me to anticipate. But to be honest, the more objective a measure you can give (if there’s anything that requires a measure to be given) the better; objectivity makes a much better master of a scrupulous conscience than subjectivity.

Scrupulosity is a good thing in it’s place and I would say that many people go through a certain amount of it at some time in their lives.
As others have said, try to remember that our God is a Forgiving and Merciful Father to His truly repentant Children so try not to get too hung up on the past. (thoug I must admit to struggling with a bit of this myself)

The thing I try to do is recognize that all sins are based on a lack of Love, or rejection of God’s Love for us. This helps me to look at sin as something different than just “breaking certain rules”. It also helps me to guage whether a particular action really IS a sin or, if so, is it a serious sin.

Finally, let your confessor know that you are dealing with this and listen to His advise on the matter. As others can tell you, Priests have heard it all.

Peace
James