The 10 commandments for the scrupulous

[April29]

So I have recently become acquainted with the 10 commandments for the scrupulous. I have always suspected that I have scruples, but there are times when I wonder if maybe I just want to believe I have them in order to get out of confessing or re-confessing my sins. I have great confidence in the goodness and mercy of Our Lord, but I doubt myself. I feel nothing but shame and grief over my sins, but I do fall into the category of people who always doubt their confessions. The 1st commandment for the scrupulous is to never confess sins one has already confessed not matter what. However, what if I feel like it needs to be confessed again? You see, I am scrupulous but I have also committed real mortal sins and am worried over those. The 2nd commandment also bothers me. It says not to confess sins we are doubtful over. What does this mean? I mean, what if I’m just convincing myself that I am doubting? I have these super dark moments guys. It’s easy for me to give others advice, but personally I struggle deeply. I also cannot find a confessor so this is not an option at the moment.

 

[stuartbrianhenlis]

Hi, April!

I don’t have scruples myself, but I can identify with your concerns about “mortal sins”. Since scrupulosity is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may consider seeking professional help to get rid of the OCD thoughts. It’s quite treatable with therapy and medications. No need to suffer any longer.

 

[Trishie]

Dear April, of corse confess your unconfessed sins, but trust in God’s forgiveness for past confessed sins, and trust your confessor.

Remember that God waiting to catch you out in sin, more focus on His fatherly love for you could help you move on from fear.

May God embrace you.

 

[Vico]

…The 2nd commandment also bothers me. It says not to confess sins we are doubtful over. What does this mean? I mean, what if I’m just convincing myself that I am doubting? …

We must confess sins in sacramental confession that are mortal and that we certainly remember, if it is materially possible, committed after the age of reason, since baptism. If you only imagine that you committed a mortal sin, then you have not actually remembered a mortal sin.

Sin must be voluntary. If self-deception were voluntary then you would know about it because it would be an act of will.

Catechism

1791 This ignorance can often be imputed to personal responsibility. This is the case when a man “takes little trouble to find out what is true and good, or when conscience is by degrees almost blinded through the habit of committing sin.” 59 In such cases, the person is culpable for the evil he commits.

 

[Zynxensar]

Do you mean he’s not waiting to catch us when we sin?

 

[Zynxensar]

catch

This, I mean

 

[Trishie]

Not waiting to jump on us?

Perhaps ‘catch us out’ is an Aussie colloqualism?
Basically I was just suggesting that the OP may need to focus on God as God of Love, and less as God of judgement.
A mindset more open to God’s love for us
not meaning or intending that the person should overlook genuine sin and the need for Confession,
but recognizing that scrupulosity is based on fear and anxiety rather than in hope in the love and mercy of God … it seems to me.

 

[semper_catholicus]

Christ is Risen!

I too have been struggling with scruples for the past 1-2 years.

I think the fact that you’re asking these questions shows that you are in fact doubtful as to the nature of your sins.

What I’ve been doing ever since I found out about the Ten Commands for the scrupulous is this: If I ever have a doubtful sin, I confess it, BUT I say that I’m doubtful about it. It is really important to do that, because if you accuse yourself of something you’re not sure that you did, then that’s not being truthful, and that can lead to more problems.

I want to stress again that if you wonder: “Oh, what if I’m just convincing myself that I’m doubtful when I’m actually not,” that demonstrates that you are in fact doubtful.

I would suggest developing a devotion to Sts. Alphonsus Liguori and Teresa of Avila, because they struggles with scruples during their lifetimes.