Mortal caused by scrupulosity?

  • Thread starter Thread starter SebastianMary
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
S

SebastianMary

Guest
If someone thinks that something that they do is mortal sin because of their scrupulosity but it really is not of grave matter, could this possibly be mortal sin? I know mortal sin must include grave matter, but could thinking that something done is grave and then acting upon it with full consent and knowledge grave matter by itself?
 
Yes, but keep in mind that the judgment of conscience is not the same thing as anxieties. A scrupulous person who acts while in fear of mortal sin does not commit it.
 
SebastianMary said:
I know mortal sin must include grave matter, but could thinking that something done is grave and then acting upon it with full consent and knowledge grave matter by itself?
Click to expand...
Yes, but when scrupulosity is involved, in practice, it likely isn’t so simple. Such a person needs to consult with his or her confessor and follow his regular guidance.
 
Last edited:
Part of scrupolosity is seeing mortal sin where there is none. If you had any doubts as to its being grave matter you should probably not consider it a mortal sin. Most importantly, follow the guidance of your confessor. We on this forum cannot replace a priest and none of our advice carries authority.
 
I was very confused at lunch. It was Tuesday, but I am in Uruguay, so I didn’t know exactly what the rules for fasting and abstainance are. Meat had been served for lunch. I got worried, and thought that I was commting mortal sin because I hadn’t really looked into see what the rules were. I ate the meat, after a very brief review of this matter online. I ate, thinking that my mind was being annoyed with scrupulosity. I still felt however that I had consented to possibly commiting mortal sin, because I didn’t feel 100% sure that it wasn’t grave matter. Afterwards, I found out that the decision to not permit meat and other foods are supposed to be up to the local bishops only during certain days, which I don’t think apply to that day. I ate dinner later with meat, and I wasn’t bothered in the same way. However, maybe this experience can clarify what the question relates to.
 
Last edited:
That is called human error. It is a mistake. I(f you deliberately did something, believing it to be a mortal sin - that might change the landscape, as your heart was willing to commit mortal sin ieven if that sin was not mortal - can you understand?

As to scrupulosity, that is a matter for professionals, from Father/confessor to counselor.
 
SebastianMary said:
I was very confused at lunch. It was Tuesday, but I am in Uruguay, so I didn’t know exactly what the rules for fasting and abstainance are. Meat had been served for lunch. I got worried, and thought that I was commting mortal sin because I hadn’t really looked into see what the rules were. I ate the meat, after a very brief review of this matter online. I ate, thinking that my mind was being annoyed with scrupulosity. I still felt however that I had consented to possibly commiting mortal sin, because I didn’t feel 100% sure that it wasn’t grave matter. Afterwards, I found out that the decision to not permit meat and other foods are supposed to be up to the local bishops only during certain days, which I don’t think apply to that day. I ate dinner later with meat, and I wasn’t bothered in the same way. However, maybe this experience can clarify what the question relates to.
Click to expand...
How was it a day of fasting and abstenance?
 
I knew I had scrupulosity, and I hate sin, but I thought that I should do it anyway in contrary to my anxiety because I thought I was just being scrupulous.
 
I have contacted the OP privately about seeking help for scrupulosity.
 
Sebastian Mary,

If you think something is grave matter and it’s actually not, no, it’s not mortal sin. It necessarily can’t be. That’s the great pain of scrupulosity: You’re inclined to misdiagnose wrongdoing, e.g., thinking a non-sin is venial and a venial sin is mortal. And then you subsequently become tormented because think you’re not in a state of grace. Please discuss this with your faithful priest confessor and abide strictly by his advice re: this matters. Regarding these matters, that’s a much better prescription than seeking advice on the CAF Forums.
 
There are different types of scrupulosity, with differing causes, but each plants the seeds of doubt. Doubt is contrary to, and corrosive to faith. Do seek help for that, as you are intended to live life in abundance and live in peace. The Lord Himself will help you, as He knows your struggles and waits with graces at hand. He sends counselors and physicians to help us.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top