Is this scrupulosity or a sin of omission?

[Ben_Sinner]

Hi, so before I went to bed the other night I said an Our Father. Then I had a thought about saying another Our Father, and if I didn’t, it would be a sin, because I’m refusing to be perfect with my love of God. I didn’t say the prayer the second time. Is that a sin?

 

[baltobetsy]

Not a sin. In fact, it sounds like overcoming a compulsion, which would be a good thing for you, if you are as scrupulous as this question makes you sound.

Are you working with a priest on the scrupulosity issue? It’s one of the best ways to overcome it.

Betsy

 

[Ben_Sinner]

Not a sin. In fact, it sounds like overcoming a compulsion, which would be a good thing for you, if you are as scrupulous as this question makes you sound.

Are you working with a priest on the scrupulosity issue? It’s one of the best ways to overcome it.

Betsy

No, I haven’t been working with a priest on the issue. 1) because I have been in denial that I have scruples and 2) I have a fear that the confessor my be “too liberal” so I frequent different confessors at different parishes to get somewhat of a “unanimous” decision on sins.

 

[rwoehmke]

No, I haven’t been working with a priest on the issue. 1) because I have been in denial that I have scruples and 2) I have a fear that the confessor my be “too liberal” so I frequent different confessors at different parishes to get somewhat of a “unanimous” decision on sins.

Bingo, typical behavior for someone who suffers from scrupulosity.

 

[baltobetsy]

No, I haven’t been working with a priest on the issue. 1) because I have been in denial that I have scruples and 2) I have a fear that the confessor my be “too liberal” so I frequent different confessors at different parishes to get somewhat of a “unanimous” decision on sins.

Well, since you’ve visited around, you have some idea of which priest you might trust. I cannot suggest strongly enough that you choose one and stick with him, obeying him in everything that pertains to sin and conscience. Even if he is “too liberal,” you are completely safe in obeying him as your spiritual superior. God will not hold against you anything the confessor tells you incorrectly.

If you continue as you are, the scruples will only get worse. Please take care.

Betsy

 

[Grace_Angel]

No, I haven’t been working with a priest on the issue. 1) because I have been in denial that I have scruples and 2) I have a fear that the confessor my be “too liberal” so I frequent different confessors at different parishes to get somewhat of a “unanimous” decision on sins.

OH dear strong signs of scrupulosity. Please connet with a priest you like and begin working with him.
Scrupulosity is of the family of obsessive compulsive disorders and requires patience and hard work to overcome.
GraceAngel.

 

[roveau]

Well, you didn’t repeat the Our Father so it isn’t scrupulosity, and it isn’t a sin to not say two Our Fathers (whatever your brain tells you).

Sometimes though it is easier on the conscience just to say the extra prayer but then you may be in danger of becoming compulsive-obsessive. I’m pretty regular in my daily prayers so I have determined in advance how many of the formular prayers I say each day - and I stick to that unless there is a special intention that needs extra prayers.