Is Everything Sin, Sin, Sin?

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punisherthunder

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I’ve been a Catholic for close to 25 years. Maybe I’m at a breaking point, I’m not sutre. But the more I study, the more I find that everything is a sin. I try to go to Confession and I say the Rosary daily…but I don’t know. Sometimes I get to a point where I’m afraid to do anything, for fear of it being a sin. Is this dumb?? Anyone else ever feel this way??
 
don’t be sad.i commited sin countless times.try hard to avoid mortal sin
 
Sounds like you may be suffering from scrupulosity. And from frequenting CAF too much. You ask 25 posters here a question and you’ll get 30 different opinions 😃

Simply do your utmost to avoid those things that you are positive are mortal sins, and make a sincere effort to avoid those things that you know are venial sins as well. Don’t beat yourself up about things you’re not sure of, since mortal sin at least requires full knowledge.

Ask your confessor for advice about anything you’re unsure of and be guided by them - and tell them about your doubts as well! Get a second opinion (but only from another priest!) if you hear advice that sounds untrustworthy. After all, that’s their job and they’ll answer to God for the advice they give. And don’t expect black-and-white answers in every single situation - there are a lot of gray areas even for the experts.

And above all trust in God’s love and mercy. Repeat St Faustina’s aspiration (“Jesus I trust in You”) to yourself frequently. Relax - and remember that he wants you to go to heaven rather than the other place, and he will help you get there if you ask for his help!
 
Hey punisherthunder , I know what you mean. I came back from a retreat with Maronite Monks in the middle of nowhere and once you go back “into the world” the there are many things. There is a very few things in the “world” that I would not call vain. All these expesive cars, expensive shoes, etc. The Tv, cell phones, all the sex in the stores (I saw a poster of what I considered soft-core porn displayed in public). Do not let those things bother you.

If you are not entertaining or if you are not enjoying these things, its probably not a sin, even thou it make make your EMOTIONS uneasy. But we are not judged by our emotions 🙂

God Bless.
 
punisherthunder said:
I’ve been a Catholic for close to 25 years. Maybe I’m at a breaking point, I’m not sutre. But the more I study, the more I find that everything is a sin. I try to go to Confession and I say the Rosary daily…but I don’t know. Sometimes I get to a point where I’m afraid to do anything, for fear of it being a sin. Is this dumb?? Anyone else ever feel this way??
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Punisherthunder:

Find a good Spiritual Director, one who doesn’t mind long walks in the park and sunsets and otherwise enjoying God’s creation, and ask God to give you the gift of the Holy Spirit (Check what happened in Acts 2)

Although we are to “work our salvation in fear and trembling”, the Spirit of God is not one of fear but of confidence.

*And Nehemi’ah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to him for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.
Nehemiah 8:9-12 RSV*

Here is what the prayer and life of the Early Church sounded like:

*“And now they’re at it again! Take care of their threats and give your servants fearless confidence in preaching your Message, as you stretch out your hand to us in healings and miracles and wonders done in the name of your holy servant Jesus.”

While they were praying, the place where they were meeting trembled and shook. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak God’s Word with fearless confidence.

The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them.
Acts 4:29-33 The Message*

And here’s who St. Paul said was to be the source of your joy:

But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely… (the rest of the translation really stinks)
Galatians 5:22-23 The Message

I’ve felt as you do, but I was living in sin (mainly fornication, astrology and the occult and then adultary) and flouting the laws of God. So I’m not a good comparison.

I was gone for almost 20 years, and by the time God finally managed to get me back, I was an absolute basket case from the. It took almost every tool in His tool box, and He never gave up.

I’m a horrible sinner, but I’m a horrible sinner that God wants. I’m a sinner that God became man for.

There are Works of Charity and Works of Mercy and there are Psalms you can sing to the Lord who loves you and who is saving you as He is doing me. There are scriptures you can read about the Lord who loved you so much He died for you and then rose from the dead so you could have New Life.

And, Sins don’t just jump out and find us, and we don’t just stumble into them, at least the serious ones. Remember the serious Sins and avoid them like the plague. But if you are trying your best to live a Christian life, and participating in the Mass regularly, praying the Rosary and using the Sacrament of Penance, you shouldn’t be as worried as you sound.

Remember, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” and, One of the “Fruits of the spirit is”…“JOY” or an “exuberance for life”.

Your Brother in Christ, Michael
 
punisherthunder said:
I’ve been a Catholic for close to 25 years. Maybe I’m at a breaking point, I’m not sutre. But the more I study, the more I find that everything is a sin. I ??
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no i never felt this way. I don’t know what you have been studying that says “everything is a sin” surely nothing in sound Catholic moral teaching. May I suggest you provide yourself with a good sound moral education, beginning with the CCC. If you are dealing with scrupulosity, a spiritual affliction which leads to an obsession with finding sin in common ordinary daily actions, you discuss this with your priest, and take your guidance from him.
 
punisherthunder said:
I’ve been a Catholic for close to 25 years. Maybe I’m at a breaking point, I’m not sure. But the more I study, the more I find that everything is a sin. I try to go to Confession and I say the Rosary daily…but I don’t know. Sometimes I get to a point where I’m afraid to do anything, for fear of it being a sin. Is this dumb?? Anyone else ever feel this way??
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Not sure how old you are so here is what I have discovered in my almost 60 years.

Society seems to be divided into two main extremes with many of us in the middle.

One group says anything goes from abortion to free “love” (meaning sex without marriage) with anyone they want to do it with. Moral judgment is not something they ever consider.

On the other extreme are those that say everything is a sin. No dancing, no singing, no fun times. I think you get my drift.

Most of us IMHO fall in the middle ground of these extremes. Morals (personal and faith based) guide us in our everyday lives. As long as it does not break the 10 Commandments (note I said Commandments and not Suggestions) we are free to choose for our selves as believers or non-believers. As Catholics we are bound to follow the rules of our faith. Baptists are to follow their teachings. etc etc

So my opinion is to follow your faith and remember that this life is not a party all the time. But, it is not a dungeon ether. Its life.
 
YUP!! And all sinners repent or stay outa the church!! But the worst sinners happen 2 be politicians, gays an lesbians, porn stars and famous people.
 
Neo_Canaan said:
YUP!! And all sinners repent or stay outa the church!! But the worst sinners happen 2 be politicians, gays an lesbians, porn stars and famous people.
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I disagree that you can lump all of these people together under the "worst sinner"category. Each case should be looked at individually.
 
I recommend you read fr. Santa’s book called “Understanding Scrupulosity”, you will find many helpful answers to questions that are probably making you worry.

Also remember that only mortal sins are necessary to confess in the sacrament of penance and to commit a mortal sin you need to realise it’s one, then will it, and then freely choose to do it - which means you can’t commit one by accident - you really have to decide to turn away from God and follow the temptation. And only mortal sins will take you out of communion with the Church/Christ and endanger your salvation, venial sins don’t do that, so, “tranquillo” - be at peace and God bless !
 
Neo_Canaan said:
YUP!! And all sinners repent or stay outa the church!! But the worst sinners happen 2 be politicians, gays an lesbians, porn stars and famous people.
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All of us are sinners. We all probably have unrepented sins we know about or have even forgotten. So I guess we should all stay out of churches in you opinion.

Now in my opinion we all need to go to confession and Mass regularly. For those of us that sin need Mass and will continue to go.
 
The cure to your malaise is found in the words of St. Augustine: “Love God and do as you will.” Of course it takes at least a lifetime to actually live this. In the meantime there is always the grace and forgiveness of the sacrament of Confession.
 
VociMike said:
The cure to your malaise is found in the words of St. Augustine: “Love God and do as you will.” Of course it takes at least a lifetime to actually live this. In the meantime there is always the grace and forgiveness of the sacrament of Confession.
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Oh yeah! Great post. You are looking at the whole thing the wrong way. We are not just called to reject sinful behavior, we are called to embrace virtue. If you concentrate on embracing virtue, you will be glorifying God. Of course, you will still have struggles, but instead of fretting over your failures, you will be growing in sanctity.

Just concentrating on sin can make you a Pharisee.

The Beatitudes and the works of mercy (spiritual and corporal) are the key to virtue. The sacraments give us the grace to do these works.

And, prayer, esp. Eucharistic Adoration is the key to knowing God so you can seek to love and serve Him better.
 
Neo_Canaan said:
YUP!! And all sinners repent or stay outa the church!! But the worst sinners happen 2 be politicians, gays an lesbians, porn stars and famous people.
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Neo Canaan:

“Of which I am the worst…”

Neo, the Church is a hospital for sinners, not a showroom for saints. By coming to Mass and kneeling and going to confession, sinners are already repenting.

Our Lord told us to go, to bring them in and preach the Gospel to them, and that He would take care of the rest.

The Church I go to was founded by the Episcopal Church as an outreach to Hollywood actors and actresses. They were so grateful that someone would preach the Gospel of Repentence and the Forgiveness of sins that they built the Church, donated a rare piece of artwork and were ready to donate a Cathedral Church to the Diocese of Los Angeles before the Great Depression destroyed most of their fortunes, and a one of the movie stars whose fortune wasn’t destroyed fell into grave sin (she got divorced and remarried, and the priest refused to give her communion).

Mel Gibson did the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” out of gratitude for the Lord who redeemed him.

Our Lord also said, “Judge not lest you be judged.” I know there are a lot of people in this country who need to repent, but as we are involved in a Struggle whose nature St. Paul described thus:
  • For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
    Ephesians 6:12 RSV*
We need to repent first.

Your Brother in Christ, Michael
 
punisherthunder said:
I’ve been a Catholic for close to 25 years. Maybe I’m at a breaking point, I’m not sutre. But the more I study, the more I find that everything is a sin. I try to go to Confession and I say the Rosary daily…but I don’t know. Sometimes I get to a point where I’m afraid to do anything, for fear of it being a sin. Is this dumb?? Anyone else ever feel this way??
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Hard to respond to this without knowing what you are considering sinful. Yes, scrupolosity exists, but I’m not getting that from what you said. That’s more like a compulsive thing. Sounds like you’re perhaps seeing that pitfalls are everywhere as, indeed, they are. Jesus said that even the just man falls seven times a day. But I think we can see that two ways. I doubt he meant the just man falls into mortal sin seven times a day. I think he was talking about sinning in general. Some might be mortal, some not. A “just man” is not too likely to commit seven mortal sins daily, but he is extremely likely to commit seven venial sins daily. If you look at our acts, you can think of almost everything as sinful in some way. I eat two hamburgers; well, somebody is starving somewhere and I only need one, or maybe a half to stay alive. I make money selling a product that I don’t think is as good as it’s advertised, but that’s not too bad. Well, maybe there is a certain degree of sinfulness to both of those things. The smallest harsh or cold thing I might say to someone might have repercussions I can not even imagine. I look at some woman and note that, well, she sure is stacked. Kind of glance at the neckline, well, you know. I didn’t have to notice that or admire. In some small way, that might be sinful even if I don’t dwell on it. If we knew every sin we ever committed, we would probably drop dead with horror. Sometimes all it takes is a keenly-honed moral sense to see glimpses of it.

But you know, it’s really impossible to get through life without sinning. We try not to, but…“even the just man falls seven times a day”. We’re not built to be perfect. We can’t manage it. We’re just built to try. And, of course, God has given us the “off ramp” of the Sacrament of Penance. Some famous person, I can’t remember now who said it, said “The Catholic Church is for saints and sinners.” We’re all mercy-dependant, and that’s the truth.

You know what I think would be a good thing for you? Read St. Therese of Lisieux’ works. She deals with that a lot in her works. She also deals with scrupulosity though, again, that’s not her main thrust. She was about as far away from being a major sinner as one could get, yet sometime when she contemplated the goodness of God and the awfulness of sin, she felt like one. She had a story about our sinfulness and God’s mercy I have always liked; the story of the rabbit and the hunter. The rabbit is being pursued by the hunter. The rabbit runs up hill and down dale, through every barrier and obstacle, trying to shake the hunter. But the hunter is still on the trail. Finally, the rabbit, exhausted and trapped, can run no more. He is doomed. What, then does he do? Fearful as he is, he leaps into the arms of the hunter. The hunter takes pity, and the rabbit is saved.

That is not a bad allegory for the situation of us sinners and a God who is both just and merciful. But read St. Therese. She tells it, and much more, far better than I can.
 
Traditional_Ang said:
Neo Canaan:

“Of which I am the worst…”

Neo, the Church is a hospital for sinners, not a showroom for saints. By coming to Mass and kneeling and going to confession, sinners are already repenting.

Our Lord told us to go, to bring them in and preach the Gospel to them, and that He would take care of the rest.

The Church I go to was founded by the Episcopal Church as an outreach to Hollywood actors and actresses. They were so grateful that someone would preach the Gospel of Repentence and the Forgiveness of sins that they built the Church, donated a rare piece of artwork and were ready to donate a Cathedral Church to the Diocese of Los Angeles before the Great Depression destroyed most of their fortunes, and a one of the movie stars whose fortune wasn’t destroyed fell into grave sin (she got divorced and remarried, and the priest refused to give her communion).

Mel Gibson did the movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” out of gratitude for the Lord who redeemed him.

Your Brother in Christ, Michael
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At least that priest did the right thing by denying her communion. And Mel? that before he was drunk driving and cursed out a pig, saying he was a Jew.
 
Neo_Canaan said:
At least that priest did the right thing by denying her communion. And Mel? that before he was drunk driving and cursed out a pig, saying he was a Jew.
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Neo:

You missed my main point, which was in the part you deleted:

*Our Lord also said, “Judge not lest you be judged.” I know there are a lot of people in this country who need to repent, but as we are involved in a Struggle whose nature St. Paul described thus:

For we are not contending against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Ephesians 6:12 RSV

We need to repent first.*

We need to repent every bit as much as the people that you railed against in the post that I responded to, Esp. since we know better.

BTW, an officer of the law is NOT a “pig” and should not be called one in this forum. The officer who arrested Mel Gibson was doing his job and trying to report how his drunkedness was affecting his behavior.

My point there was that Mel Gibson made a movie that was a meditation on what his salvation cost our Lord. It wasn’t to say that he was perfect or a saint. Most of us who’ve received consolations from the Lord know that He’s given them to us, not because we were saints, but because we were basket cases.

St. James said:

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because our anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
James 1:19-21 Today’s NIV

Our Responses to each other should reflect that we have realy tried to listen to and hear each other.

Your Brother in Christ, Michael
 
My whole family recently conveted. So everyother sentence that comes out of everyones mouth is “THATS A SIN!!! YOU HAVE TO GO TO CONFESSION NOW!!!” which can be really annoying. I dont think everything is a sin, but a good lot of stuff certainly is!
 
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