What is "scrupulosity?"

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What is scrupulosity, please? Is that the correct term and spelling?

I’ve heard others on CAF use this term. I think I know what it is, but I would like to get correct information.

Does anyone have personal experiences? Please share them if you can.

Thanks.

(P.S. I was an evangelical Protestant for over 40 years before coming into the Catholic Church in 2004.)
 
It’s kinda like when you become so obsessed with God and religion that the demands you place upon your self become unhealthy (physically and mentally) to your well-being. Worrying that every single action you do will offend God (even when you are being good and sinless). It’s kinda going overboard and being way too hard on yourself…seeing sinfulness in everything (even things that are sinless).

Been there done that…it’ll drive you to the brink of a nervous breakdown.

Scrupulosity is bad. It’ll drag you down.

Example:
I have been through lukewarm periods (we all do). Then for whatever reason I become fervantly into God again. I start being afraid to do just about anything. Will God be offended by this? Am I sinning? Should I have watched that show on TV tonight where premarital sex was the subject? Was that sinful of me? Gosh, I feel horrible. Will God punish me for it? Will He forgive me? Was that thought I just had bad or good? Will God throw His wrath upon me? Should I talk to those who sin? Is this a sin? Is that a sin? etc, etc, etc…

Worry, worry, worry, worry…
 
archangel63 said:
It’s kinda like when you become so obsessed with God and religion that the demands you place upon your self become unhealthy (physically and mentally) to your well-being. Worrying that every single action you do will offend God (even when you are being good and sinless). It’s kinda going overboard and being way too hard on yourself…seeing sinfulness in everything (even things that are sinless).

Been there done that…it’ll drive you to the brink of a nervous breakdown.

Scrupulosity is bad. It’ll drag you down.

Example:
I have been through lukewarm periods (we all do). Then for whatever reason I become fervantly into God again. I start being afraid to do just about anything. Will God be offended by this? Am I sinning? Should I have watched that show on TV tonight where premarital sex was the subject? Was that sinful of me? Gosh, I feel horrible. Will God punish me for it? Will He forgive me? Was that thought I just had bad or good? Will God throw His wrath upon me? Should I talk to those who sin? Is this a sin? Is that a sin? etc, etc, etc…

Worry, worry, worry, worry…
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Wonderful post. So true. I think that a well formed conscience is the best weapon against scrupulosity. I have some resources for people who suffer from this, and I’ll be glad to share them if anyone feels they need them.
 
Scrupulosity is a spiritual and psychological disorder related to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder whereby a person becomes so focused on himself, his supposed sins, divine judgment that he cannot accept the fact that the mercy of God is greater than his own miserable self.

People who suffer from it really DO suffer. They have no peace and almost no hope. It is a disorder.
 
mommyof4 said:
Wonderful post. So true. I think that a well formed conscience is the best weapon against scrupulosity. I have some resources for people who suffer from this, and I’ll be glad to share them if anyone feels they need them.
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**I would love some information, if you please.

I tend to be scrupulous and it has to do with my struggle with my root sin of pride. I am always so incredibly hard on myself when I sin, that the gift of God’s mercy escapes my brain.

I also make a consciece effort to seek counsel during confession, and I find that I tend to be less scrupulous, thanks be to God.

It’s hard when you strive for perfection out of love for God, sometimes when you go overboard the line becomes so blurry.:confused:

PAX**
 
jenninjackson said:
I would love some information, if you please.

I tend to be scrupulous and it has to do with my struggle with my root sin of pride. I am always so incredibly hard on myself when I sin, that the gift of God’s mercy escapes my brain.

I also make a consciece effort to seek counsel during confession, and I find that I tend to be less scrupulous, thanks be to God.

**It’s hard when you strive for perfection out of love for God, sometimes when you go overboard the line becomes so blurry.:confused: **

PAX
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There is a wonderful little book, based on the writings of St. Francis de Sales, *How to Profit from Your Faults *by joseph Tissot. Scepter press puts it out. You might also be able to get it from the Confraternity of Penitents gift shop.
 
Yes, Cat, you have spelled it correctly. And the adjective is “scrupulous.”

Scrupulosity is like spiritual OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). Sufferers see sin everywhere.

Some worry about things like giving proper respect to images of the Cross in daily life like the letter “t” or french fries that form a cross.

Many worry about their responsibility for the sins of others - if I pay rent to live in my parents’ house and they use the money to buy beer and get drunk, is it my fault?

Many are worried about “blasphemous” thoughts that pop into their minds unbidden. They suffer terribly and never consent to them, but are convinced that having the thoughts is sinful. This is very similar to OCD.

Some scrupulous people are tortured about their Confessions - did I tell every sin? Did I give enough detail? Did the priest understand me and how horribly sinful I really am? If the priest didn’t understand, is the absolution valid? If I missed a word in the Act of Contrition, is my Confession valid? As a result of these worries, many refrain unnecessarily from receiving Communion.

The way to overcome scrupulosity is to have one (and only one) priest to whom one confesses. One must reveal the scrupulosity and be absolutely obedient to the priest. The Ten Commandments for the Scrupulous give a good overview of the kind of thing necessary to get better.

Betsy
 
mercygate said:
There is a wonderful little book, based on the writings of St. Francis de Sales, *How to Profit from Your Faults *by joseph Tissot. Scepter press puts it out. You might also be able to get it from the Confraternity of Penitents gift shop.
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**Thank you so much, I definitely appreciate it as it’s is something I wish to conquer.

PAX**
 
jenninjackson said:
Thank you so much, I definitely appreciate it as it’s is something I wish to conquer.

PAX
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Well, you have already identified it as a function of pride, so you are WELL on your way out of the woods! God bless you and may you find peace in the Mercy!
 
Is there an opposite or opposing sin to scrupulosity? If so, what is it called?

I feel that I am not scrupulous enough.

Thanks for all the posts and for the resources.

I’m also wondering if this sin or disorder occurs among Protestant Christians, and what it’s manifestations are. Is this what is meant by “seeing a demon hiding behind every tree?”
 
My remedy for scupulosity:

"Hey God, I’m freaking out. Sometimes when I get really close to you I fall into a terrifying grip of trying to be perfect for you. So much so that it scares me to get close to you. I want to be close to you, but I need this fear of not being perfect for you to leave me. Only you have the power to calm me, console me, soothe me. Take these scupulous feelings away from me and fill me with the calm, peace and love of the Holy Spirit. Give me a big hug Jesus, I need it. And make these horrible fears and demands I place on myself go away. I love you and want to experience the peace and love that you promise to all that praise, admonish and worship you. Pour your grace into me to squelch all my worries and fears. Jesus, I trust in you.

I love you God, I love you Jesus, I love you Holy Spirit.
I love you Blessed Mother. I love all the saints and angels in heaven. Look upon my miserable soul with pity. Pray for me and show me your loving and kind mercy."

Other times when I feel this way I simply say,
“Satan be gone.”
 
Cat said:
Is there an opposite or opposing sin to scrupulosity? If so, what is it called?
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That would be laxity. May I suggest frequent confession as a remedy? Nothing raises your standards like the graces of Confession.

Betsy
 
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