Graduation and and Baptism

[PeanoArithmetic]

I’ll be graduating a few weeks after my baptism. What’s been bugging me lately is that before I became convinced of Catholicism, some of my essays/classes were contrary to Catholic teaching. Now although the degree I’ll be getting is pretty morally neutral (English and Philosophy), since those previous choices will have contributed some part to it, I’ve been getting worried that accepting the degree will mean that I haven’t really repented of them, since I’ll still be in some way benefiting from them. Am I just letting my anxieties get the better of me?

 

[Trishie]

English and Philosophy are not evil. Like most things in this world they may be used for good or for harm. Intrinsically they are gifts of God. If we never used a word of language or had a single progression of thoughts because we were afraid of sinning our lives would be empty and God’s gifts in our lives unused. Then we would be like the unprofitable servant who buried rather than used his talents. We do not stop speaking because sometimes in the past we have sinned in our speech. However we do continue to avoid uncharitable and unChristian speech in favor of using our words for good.

Instead of rejecting God’s gifts and your use of your talents, consecrate them and your use of them to God. Accept your degree as even saints have done. Whether educated or not we can use our abilities and qualifications for good.

Sometimes we can become a little scrupulous. We can become fearful of the negatives when we should be glorifying God with the positives!

Congratulations on your graduation,
and praise and thanks to God for your great gift of Baptism.

 

[1ke]

I’ll be graduating a few weeks after my baptism. What’s been bugging me lately is that before I became convinced of Catholicism, some of my essays/classes were contrary to Catholic teaching. Now although the degree I’ll be getting is pretty morally neutral (English and Philosophy), since those previous choices will have contributed some part to it, I’ve been getting worried that accepting the degree will mean that I haven’t really repented of them, since I’ll still be in some way benefiting from them. Am I just letting my anxieties get the better of me?

You are being scrupulous.

If you frequently see sin where there is none, please approach your priest, tell him of your scrupulosity issue, and get some regular counsleing.

If this is just a one-time thing, relax. One may even write papers from the “devil’s advocate” position.