Is it superstitious to be scared of the dark?

[Colorad007]

Odd question, but still a real one: is it considered superstition to be afraid of the dark because you’re afraid that something–whatever that something might be (bogeyman, ghost, etc.)–might “get” you?

I don’t believe in ghosts or the bogeyman, but when I’m alone in the dark I develop a terror that something like a ghost or bogeyman (or demon) or whatever it might be, might “get” me. Is that superstition? Is that a mortal sin?

When exactly is superstition gravely sinful, and what exactly is superstition?

 

[Lucky102]

Odd question, but still a real one: is it considered superstition to be afraid of the dark because you’re afraid that something–whatever that something might be (bogeyman, ghost, etc.)–might “get” you?

I don’t believe in ghosts or the bogeyman, but when I’m alone in the dark I develop a terror that something like a ghost or bogeyman (or demon) or whatever it might be, might “get” me. Is that superstition? Is that a mortal sin?

When exactly is superstition gravely sinful, and what exactly is superstition?

First of all ghosts are real. They are the souls of dead people. Don’t be scared of them though. The souls in heaven won’t hurt you. and the souls in hell can’t come out of hell.

As for the bogeyman, do you REALLY beleive in him? Or is this just an irrational fear, where you really know he’s not real. Demons are real but don’t be scared of them. Frankly I think you are being scrupulous.

 

[Colorad007]

First of all ghosts are real. They are the souls of dead people. Don’t be scared of them though. The souls in heaven won’t hurt you. and the souls in hell can’t come out of hell.

As for the bogeyman, do you REALLY beleive in him? Or is this just an irrational fear, where you really know he’s not real. Demons are real but don’t be scared of them. Frankly I think you are being scrupulous.

I should clarify: I realize that the souls of people are indeed real, but what I become afraid of is the door-slamming, cupboard-banging, oogly-boogly ghosts of Hollywood. As far as I know, that’s not an especially Catholic view of things.

 

[kbwall]

It’s a fear that can’t be controlled. If it can’t be controlled, then you can’t be held accountable for it, and thus it can’t be a real sin.

I sometimes experience exactly what you described. I’m old enough and I know better that there is no such thing as the boogeyman or nighttime monsters, and the dark holds no real danger (unless you’re outside and there’s muggers, but that’s a different story). Every rational part of my mind says there’s no danger. That doesn’t really help though, and I still sometimes feel fear when in a dark room. It could be akin to any other kind of phobia/irrational fear, and thus a mental disorder however mild.

 

[Lucky102]

I should clarify: I realize that the souls of people are indeed real, but what I become afraid of is the door-slamming, cupboard-banging, oogly-boogly ghosts of Hollywood. As far as I know, that’s not an especially Catholic view of things.

Do you REALLY believe in them? Or is it just a feeling you get when you are scared?

 

[Colorad007]

Do you REALLY believe in them? Or is it just a feeling you get when you are scared?

When I’m not in a dark, closed space–in other words, when I’m my usual, generally rational self–then, no, I don’t believe in all of that. But when I’m alone in a dark, confined space I am suddenly overcome with a sense or feeling or whatever-you-want-to-call-it that I’m about to be attacked by something. A little silly, I admit. But it something seems a little too similar to superstition.

 

[Mark_of_Ephesus]

It is very much a weakness that will hinder you in pursuit of holiness.

If you own a copy, read the 21st step of St. John Climacus’ Ladder of Divine Ascent. He talks about the fear of the dark and how to overcome it.

EDIT : Here is a PDF online : scribd.com/doc/34203812/The-Ladder-of-Divine-Ascent-Part-02-The-Ladder-by-Saint-John-Klimacus

 

[EasterJoy]

When I’m not in a dark, closed space–in other words, when I’m my usual, generally rational self–then, no, I don’t believe in all of that. But when I’m alone in a dark, confined space I am suddenly overcome with a sense or feeling or whatever-you-want-to-call-it that I’m about to be attacked by something. A little silly, I admit. But it something seems a little too similar to superstition.

You’re afraid of the dark, which is natural because you are more vulnerable in a dark place. Your brain, also naturally, is combing over the reasons your body is registering fear. The ghoulies are the reason that you don’t feel you can entirely discount.

You can try deciding to tell yourself that your body is naturally wary in the dark, because it was not so many years ago when being in the dark represented a real danger. Just work on it as a body reaction, and remind yourself that your mind will always come up with reasons to explain what your body is doing. It’s better to replace the thoughts with something else, but it isn’t a sin if your efforts don’t succeed.

Don’t beat yourself up with that; it will only make your anxiety worse. A human father with any sense wouldn’t berate a child for that, and our Heavenly Father has far more going that just common sense.

 

[Ladygem]

If it makes you feel any better, I’m afraid of the dark as well. Fear is mostly biological, especially in this case, since in early times the dark posed a real threat. It still does if you’re in, say, a dark alley way in a bad neighborhood. If you were afraid of something like a broken mirror for any other reason than you might get cut, then that would be superstitious.

 

[GEddie]

First of all ghosts are real. They are the souls of dead people. Don’t be scared of them though. The souls in heaven won’t hurt you. and the souls in hell can’t come out of hell.

As for the bogeyman, do you REALLY beleive in him? Or is this just an irrational fear, where you really know he’s not real. Demons are real but don’t be scared of them. Frankly I think you are being scrupulous.

As I understand it, those in Heaven do not become “ghosts”, while those in Hell do not have freedom of movement.

Ghosts can arise from Purgatory; however, there is no real connection between these beings and darkness. I’d not be too worried.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[MAV0524]

As I understand it, those in Heaven do not become “ghosts”, while those in Hell do not have freedom of movement.

Ghosts can arise from Purgatory; however, there is no real connection between these beings and darkness. I’d not be too worried.

ICXC NIKA.

Do damned human souls really have no ability to move? I’ve heard a private revelation of God forcing a damned soul to appear to a living human as a warning. Granted this isn’t really free moving if it’s compelled by God. I’ve also read once from a Catholic source that damned people can be forced to do the devils work on earth by the devil/demons if God permits it.

I think a fear of the dark is natural. I’m personally pretty afraid of heights, even when I know I’m safe. It’s a natural fear that makes us careful. The dark can be dangerous. We can trip, be attacked and are not in full knowledge of our surroundings, making us vulnerable.

Is your reaction (some kind of choice) to the fear causing you to lose faith, hope, or love in God or neighbor? If so, it seems to me to be a sin. Our fear of death could tempt us to deny Christ to save our skin (a sin) or it could just cause us to be careful with our health (a good thing).

 

[GEddie]

Saint Robert Bellarmine argued that those in Hell would be denied freedom of movement, based on the Gospel where a man is “cast into outer darkness” with his limbs bound.

ICXC NIKA

 

[JaneGrey]

When I’m not in a dark, closed space–in other words, when I’m my usual, generally rational self–then, no, I don’t believe in all of that. But when I’m alone in a dark, confined space I am suddenly overcome with a sense or feeling or whatever-you-want-to-call-it that I’m about to be attacked by something. A little silly, I admit. But it something seems a little too similar to superstition.

I feel the exact same thing in the dark. My irrational side seems to take over. I wouldnt worry too much about it being a sin though. EasterJoy’s post was particularly good.

Take care.

 

[MAV0524]

Saint Robert Bellarmine argued that those in Hell would be denied freedom of movement, based on the Gospel where a man is “cast into outer darkness” with his limbs bound.

ICXC NIKA

Maybe that is a general rule. Perhaps there are exceptions?

 

[puzzleannie]

Odd question, but still a real one: is it considered superstition to be afraid of the dark because you’re afraid that something–whatever that something might be (bogeyman, ghost, etc.)–might “get” you?
?

every irrational fear is not a superstition, nor is it sinful
and bear in mind, it is not necessarily irrational to be afraid of the dark. sometimes the world can be scary place. I used to get night terrors when my husband was away on business, never forget the time I heard someone or something push open the door, move across the floor, and as my heart was in my mouth, jump on the bed. I hate that cat.

If these fears are literally making you lose sleep to consider mentioning it to your doctor and getting advice on better sleeping habits, or consider natural sleep aids.

 

[GEddie]

Maybe that is a general rule. Perhaps there are exceptions?

No doubt. After all, even with bound limbs you can hobble on your toes; possibly Hell allows for similar exceptions. But it would still only happen under the will of God.

ICXC NIKA.

 

[Paul_theApostle]

Odd question, but still a real one: is it considered superstition to be afraid of the dark because you’re afraid that something–whatever that something might be (bogeyman, ghost, etc.)–might “get” you?

I don’t believe in ghosts or the bogeyman, but when I’m alone in the dark I develop a terror that something like a ghost or bogeyman (or demon) or whatever it might be, might “get” me. Is that superstition? Is that a mortal sin?

When exactly is superstition gravely sinful, and what exactly is superstition?

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paranoia

In the dark i also have feared maybe seeing a black ,terrifying ,ugly ,horrific ,scary looking demon with horns

Many saints have seen these demons appear or attack them

i dont think they were afraid of them though and i think we should not be afraid of them either

God is the Lord and the one in control

Fear God and fear sinning against him and losing him

Even if a devil appears just say Away with you accursed one!