Two questions about the Second Commandment for the Scrupulous

[cjcapta]

mission.liguori.org/newsletters/scrupulosity.htm
According to the description for the second commandment, confessing doubtful sins is harmful to one’s self. How is it harmful to one’s self? And my second question is: Is this saying that because a sin is doubtful then it isn’t a mortal sin? Or is it just advising not you confess them even though one might have actually committed a mortal sin.

 

[JackVk]

I don’t see why confessing a doubtful sin would be a mortal sin. Do you mean as in you’re not sure if what you are confessing is a sin? I would say it’s better safe than sorry.

 

[hawko]

mission.liguori.org/newsletters/scrupulosity.htm
According to the description for the second commandment, confessing doubtful sins is harmful to one’s self. How is it harmful to one’s self? And my second question is: Is this saying that because a sin is doubtful then it isn’t a mortal sin? Or is it just advising not you confess them even though one might have actually committed a mortal sin.

If I am unsure if an action is sinful or not, that is the reason for going to a priest in confession; to obtain spiritual guidance and direction.

The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the greatest act of Mercy on God’s part towards us miserable sinners. Thank You Jesus for this great treasure of forgiveness.

 

[Rochester]

It is best to talk to a priest about this situation, but for what it’s worth here is my interpetation:

mission.liguori.org/newsletters/scrupulosity.htm
According to the description for the second commandment, confessing doubtful sins is harmful to one’s self. How is it harmful to one’s self?

For the scrupulous person, it is harmful because this can encourage a pathological worry over sin, and cause lack of trust in God’s love and mercy. This obession can overcome a scrupulous person’s life, hindering his functioning in the practical world, where even normal routines become almost unbearable from obsession with sin.

A normal penitant can confess doubtful sin, because unlike the scruplulous, he doesn’t constantly obsess about sin before confession or after confession. He lets go and lets God, knowing all is forgiven after the sacrement. The scrupulous person cannot let go so easily (I speak from experience here!)

And my second question is: Is this saying that because a sin is doubtful then it isn’t a mortal sin? Or is it just advising not you confess them even though one might have actually committed a mortal sin.

He is saying it isn’t a mortal sin if you aren’t sure the sin is mortal. For the sin to be mortal, the sinner must have **full knowledge **that the sin is mortal.

I quote from another thread:

It takes 3 things to commit a mortal sin:

**1. It has to be a “grievous” matter. A serious violation of one of The 10 Commandments or precepts of the Church.

1. There has to be sufficient reflection.
2. There has to be full consent of the will.**

If one of those things is missing, you have not committed a mortal sin.