Signs of scrupulosity?

[StJoseph8]

What are some signs that a person is scrupulous?

 

[Bookcat]

They can vary with the scruples - and there can also be a matter of “transitory scruples” of say a recent convert or in a person who newly has seriously committed to following Christ.

One ought to discuss this with a *regular confessor *- which is key to working against them too.

A person has a delicate conscience (which is very good and not about scruples) when he is very sensitive to sin and very much does not want to offend God and knows how to distinguish normally between what is mortal sin and venial sin.

A person has scruples – when they for example have unreasonable fears --all those “what ifs” and they unreasonably fear venial sins are mortal or non sins are sins. Or have scruples about confession etc. etc.

There can be various kinds and degrees of scruples.

A person can have scruple also only in certain areas or in all areas.

Also a person can have a very good conscience and even a delicate conscience in many things but still be subject to scruples or a tendency to scruples in certain areas.

A good confessor over time can be a good judge.

 

[Bookcat]

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.

 

[KildareBrigid]

Here’s a good article: catholic.com/magazine/articles/scrupulosity-the-occupational-hazard-of-the-catholic-moral-life

"Scrupulosity takes myriad forms. Here are a few descriptions that depict the errors a scrupulous person can fall into:

The scrupulous person may believe that the difference between venial and mortal sin is only one of degree. The misuse of freedom that offends the Trinity, of whatever degree, is serious.
The scrupulous person may believe that his faults are sins or are so rooted in sin that to show a fault is tantamount to sin.
The scrupulous person may believe that his psychological disorder is the result of sin, and actions stemming from it are sins. He may believe that those who think psychological disorders minimize or negate our freedom are wrong.
The scrupulous person may believe that having even a fleeting impure thought (maybe sexual thoughts or thought about revenge) is sinful. He may believe that we are able to control our minds completely, so that if anything impure enters it has been freely chosen and therefore sinful.
The scrupulous person may believe that any imperfection puts a barrier between him and God.
The scrupulous person may believe that our only hope is the sacrament of reconciliation, and because sin happens constantly, he must receive the sacrament continually."

 

[Whalljim]

What are some signs that a person is scrupulous?

For me some of the signs coincided with OCD, but with a religious component. Counting prayers (if I say 10 Hail mary’s God will help me. But it has to be 10. No more, no less… Oh no, I lost count!), compulsive action (having to drop on my knees at random times to pray), etc. Excessivly worrying over things. ‘I just had an impure thought pop into my head, am I culpable???’ and finally the thought that God was always unhappy with me for my sinfulness/inability to please him with my compulsive behavior. I had the feeling that he hated me and was disgusted with me.

It was hell. Nothing can gut your faith faster, while still leaving you full of anxiety and fear.

Eventually, with talking to someone, and with a reliance on Christ’s mercy, I was able to get over it. Alot of it was also stress induced. My job was very stressful at the time.

If you have symptoms, seek help. Christ does not want this for you.