Over-examining EVERYTHING IS SIN!

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scrupulousrvrt

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It almost seems like this every month. I’ll confess my sins, i’ll have them absolved and a few days later my scrupulosity hits new heights. All the various Examens of conscience only adds to the pain;
sins against the commandments;
sins against god, neighbor, self;
sins against hope, charity, love;
sins against virtues.
I know I should obey my Confessor, and recently read SCRUPLES AND THEIR TREATMENT, Fr. William Doyle.
How do I keep these scruples from popping up in the first place?
 
scrupulousrvrt said:
It almost seems like this every month. I’ll confess my sins, i’ll have them absolved and a few days later my scrupulosity hits new heights. All the various Examens of conscience only adds to the pain;
sins against the commandments;
sins against god, neighbor, self;
sins against hope, charity, love;
sins against virtues.
I know I should obey my Confessor, and recently read SCRUPLES AND THEIR TREATMENT, Fr. William Doyle.
How do I keep these scruples from popping up in the first place?
Click to expand...
Learn to rest in repose. Don’t always try to move in your spirit.
 
I will re-post an older post of mine

A person struggles with scruples - what ought they do?

A person with scrupulosity --ought to have a* “regular confessor” *who can direct them --and even give them some general principles/rules to follow -to apply (principles for them due to their particular scruples -they are usually not for those with a normal conscience). Thus with their direction they can dismiss scruples. Such is the age old practice in the Church.

Scruples are to be dismissed not argued with.

Scruples are like a barking dog or a hissing goose -one does not stop to argue with a barking dog or a hissing goose does one?

Such ‘obedience’ (except in what is manifest sin - such as if he told them it was ok to murder someone or something certain like that) is key. Such is the age old practice.

As to counseling - that could be helpful depending on the case -but one would want to look for a counselor who can assist one in following the Churches Teachings - not go contrary to them (I have heard CA staff mention catholictherapists.com/) Some person with scrupulosity may yes also suffer from OCD - but the two are not simply equated.

Here was a recent post from Jimmy Akin of CA that I saw in the Register and saved for those who struggle with such.

ncregister.com/blog/jimmy-akin/6-tools-for-the-scrupulous
Also I will add that a person can go through a case of “transient scruples”. Which is good news in a way. For they are more easily dealt with.

Such can be due to being a convert to the faith. Such is noted in theological works in terms of (some of) those who have a conversion (even if they were a Catholic all their life - but now have had a more intense turning to Christ and seeking Christian perfection).

Such can even be helpful for they can make one be more sensitive in conscience in a good way. Helpful that is if you have a regular confessor who can judge your case - and who can then direct you and help you in forming your conscience and in doing so the “transient scruples” can clear up and one can go forward with a better formed conscience and commitment to the Lord.

In any case - a regular confessor is key for those who struggle with scruples - be they transient or a more persistent difficulty

Work with a regular confessor he can determine if one struggles from scruples and guide one.
 
It is essential for you to have a regular confessor to help you. I’d recommend that you stop reading any examination of consciences.
 
St. Paul left you an answer in Romans 7 if your struggling with sin. Jesus died so you could be free of the penalty of sin, we all sin, worry is sin. Confess rest in His provision and remember, the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure then peaceable loving considerate submissive full of mercy and good fruit impartial and sincere . And Satan the thief comes to steal kill and destroy. Satan is the father of lies. The Holy Spirit will guide you into all truth. If it’s conviction from the spirit it will be pure. And the truth will set you free
 
Start thinking more about all the good things you do - when you are kind to someone, when you work hard, when you do something for no reward, when you are honest.

I think there’s a danger that people who over-examine themselves forget to balance it out. 🙂
 
scrupulousrvrt said:
How do I keep these scruples from popping up in the first place?
Click to expand...
Keep your mind busy with a healthy hobby and some service work. Are you able to get some exercise? Find some balance in your life between work, family, leisure, worship. If you life is out of balance anxiety will creep in.
 
You might have a scrupulous attitude only, but not a primer sickness.
 
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