Worried about a post I read

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Stargirl

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So, I just joined this site, and I’ve been looking at different questions from people to try to get a feel for what this site is like. I’m really happy to be here.

I came across one user who had OCD, and he/she asked a question about the meaning of Ephesians 5:3. I thought it was a strange question, so I looked into it more, and… now I’m worried about it myself. Here are some commentaries…

“These sins must be dreaded and detested. Christians are saints and are to live like saints. They are separated unto God, and therefore separated from sin. These sins are not to be mentioned, much less permitted. Such terms taint the imagination, soil the lips, and cultivate sensual lusts. Such conversation is unbecoming saints and incompatible with Christianity.” -KJV Bible Commentary

“Not only were these sins to be avoided in fact, but to be shunned in their very name. Their absence should be so universal, that there should be no occasion to refer to them, or make any mention of them. Indelicate allusion to such sins should not soil Christian lips.” -John Eadie

I know that people gave advice to the person who originally posted the question, but now I’m worried too… Can someone help me with this, please?
 
Do you suffer from OCD by any chance? I’m just worried whether or not you might be dealing with scrupulosity yourself. I’m not sure how Protestants deal with the issue, but I’d ask your pastor if you think it’s the case.

As a side note, since I think I know what thread you’re talking about, Edward_George1 is a Catholic priest who and knows his stuff. So his posts are great to read.
 
Stargirl said:
These sins must be dreaded and detested. Christians are saints and are to live like saints. They are separated unto God, and therefore separated from sin. These sins are not to be mentioned, much less permitted. Such terms taint the imagination, soil the lips, and cultivate sensual lusts. Such conversation is unbecoming saints and incompatible with Christianity.” -KJV Bible Commentary

“Not only were these sins to be avoided in fact, but to be shunned in their very name. Their absence should be so universal, that there should be no occasion to refer to them, or make any mention of them. Indelicate allusion to such sins should not soil Christian lips.” -John Eadie
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over the top language like this sounds totally inappropriate to me.
 
The advice we would give you is the same we gave the other poster.

Are you going around and salaciously sharing juicy gossip about grave sins? Are you praising grave sins and encouraging people to partake in them? Do you make posts about depraved sins on social media encouraging other people to do likewise?

Then don’t worry about it. Be discrete and modest in your speech as befits any Catholic.

If you are prone to excessive worry about these things, you should speak to your priest about scrupulousity. You want to nip any excessive scrupulous tendencies in the bud.

Edited to say: I see that you are Protestant, so you could talk to your pastor or a wise mentor about this, or a counselor if you suffer from OCD or anxiety.
 
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If a thread is closed, then that means the Mods had good reason to close it. You should not be starting a new thread with the same subject matter, especially if you just made another account to do it.
 
OCD can affect any age. But I’ll trust your word that you don’t worry a lot. Good luck with starting high school.
 
Protestant commentaries are often correct, but can also be quite in error. As well, those commentaries are from a different age and culture, and represent only the opinion of the author - they are not authoritative.

Rather, what did our Lord say about such? Peter had to ask the Lord how many times he was to ask a brother who sinned against him. James and John asked the Lord if they should call down fire form heaven upon sinners.

If it is a sin to mention sin, how on earth is one supposed to receive counseling or the Sacrament of Reconciliation?

To paraphrase the Wizard of Oz, “Pay no attention to the commentator behind the curtain.”
 
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Oh, I didn’t know… I’m Protestant, but I’m thinking of becoming Catholic. Thank you for responding, I really like your answer.

So you think that the verse means more along the lines of “dont sin” rather than “don’t talk about sin”?
 
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I think it means that you should not let your thoughts dwell on sin, or evil, or the devil. These are realities that we must occasionally face, but the time we spend thinking about what is wrong is time we are distracted from what is good and right. Most of the time, we should think about and work for what is good.
 
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Another way to say it is that it is more important to love God than to hate the devil. It is more important to recognize the good in other people, and bring out the best in other people, than to look at their faults and failings and accuse or condemn them for it. Similarly we should recognize the good in ourselves and try to develop it and share it, as we forgive ourselves (and accept God’s forgiveness) for the things we have done wrong.
 
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Great news! God is first of all, loving and therefore, merciful. He commands us not to sin, but how do we know what sin is? All of them are not written in the bible. You will not suffer from mentioning sin - you suffer for actually sinning.

And the Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation/Penamce/Confession is utterly amazing. You have absolute assurance that your sins are destroyed. Look up Mark 2:5, Luke 5:20 and Luke 7:48. Those are the only scriptures in which our Lord directly forgave sin.

Notice that in each and every case, He told the sinner that their sins were forgiven. They heard it in so many words. How could they have any doubt after that? And, the priest acts in the person of Christ, as an ambassador for Christ, and with the authority of Christ.

When he pronounces absolution, you are guaranteed that, if your confession was heartfelt and complete, your sins no longer exist. The priest even does penance in reparation for your sins! He will assign you a penance, but that reveals just how merciful the Lord is.

The Lord could demand that you do all sorts of serious things to make up for the damage your sin has caused - but He does not! He is love and mercy.

Oh, look up 2 Corinthians 2:10 in a KJV or similar older bible (the newer ones have changed the wording). Paul forgave sins in the person of Christ! Hear that? As if Christ was right there. And, the priest sits in the same place when he pronounces absolution. It is Christ Who forgives, but through the ministry of the priest. Read 2 Corinthians 5 in that regards.

We are not necessarily going to feel anything each time we confess, but we know that our sins are gone - and that is liberating. There are times that you leave the confessional and you do not even feel your feet touching the floor!

Yeah. It’s that awesome.
 
Confession takes humility. The Lord loves humility, as He Himself is “meek and humble of heart” (Matthew 11:29) So, when you are humble, you are Christ-like. He always rewards humility.

It is pretty amazing stuff.

OK, here is one experience that I had during confession. But, it was not me, it was the Holy Spirit. Awesome. I still cry over it.
 
goodcatholic said:
over the top language like this sounds totally inappropriate to me.
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You got the good eye, @goodcatholic!

@Stargirl I am curious what has drawn you to the Catholic faith?

Welcome to CAF, I hope that we are able to answer your questions here.

If you wish to learn the Catholic point of view, then it would be beneficial to use a Catholic commentary.

The KJV was developed as an act of rebellion against the Church founded by Christ, so this translation, as well as any commentary based upon it, needs to be read with caution.

John Eadie is a lifelong antiCatholic, so anything he says should be assumed to be contrary to the Church founded by Christ.

Ephesians 5:3 Renounce Pagan Ways
3 But fornication and impurity of any kind, or greed, must not even be mentioned among you, as is proper among saints.

There is much to understanding this verse, but one important factor is to consider the context in which it is written. The Ephesians were an ancient Greek city that was subsumed into the Roman empire. They worshiped pagan gods, and belonged to a culture where sex outside of marriage and other types of sexual interaction (such as coupling with temple prostitutes) was the norm.

St. Paul is writing to the fledgling Church to emphasize that these pagan ways were contrary to the Gospel of Christ.

The reason that the Church founded by Christ does not claim that such sins “should not even be mentioned” is because we have all sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God. God forgives all our sins, when we approach Him with a repentant heart. Hiding sins or pretending they are not there, is very damaging to our spiritual life.
Stargirl said:
Oh, I didn’t know… I’m Protestant, but I’m thinking of becoming Catholic. Thank you for responding, I really like your answer.

So you think that the verse means more along the lines of “dont sin” rather than “don’t talk about sin”?
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Yes, St. Paul is talking about putting these sins far away from ourselves.

What we say with our mouths about sins is very important.

Ephesians 4:29 "Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. "

Talking about sinful behavior in a manner that glorifies it does not give grace to anyone.
 
Good answer po18guy. The thing that bothers me though is that a brand new poster is asked if she is scrupulous just because she asked a question.
 
True, but 64 million Americans suffer from some form of anxiety of OCD. 64 million. It shows up in their posts. Now, it could be that they are young, maybe not well catechized etc., but we live in an age of rampant anxiety.

I am a mod on a cancer forum and we deal with it daily. It is a terrible condition and absolutely ruins millions of lives. So, it may seem harsh, but ultimately it is good to address or eliminate the issue - based on the nature of the poster’s worries.
 
I think we are asking if she is scrupulous because she already read all the answers about this question on the previous thread and yet is still worried.

She says she’s very young, and that’s probably why, but it bears asking.
 
Stargirl said:
So you think that the verse means more along the lines of “dont sin” rather than “don’t talk about sin”?
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Yes, that is what it means. Although, talking about and thinking about sin often leads to sin; which is why we should avoid it.
 
Good advice from the apostle:
Ephesians 5 (ESV)

5 Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
3 But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. 12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret. 13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible, 14 for anything that becomes visible is light. Therefore it says,
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”
15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.
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