Comments on: An Honest Look: Scrupulosity

By: anothertheologyblog

anothertheologyblog — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 11:12:55 +0000

Angela, I don’t think you’re struggling with scrupulosity. You’re just going through a spiritual phase where you’re more anxious about stuff than usual. This could indicate a lack of trust in God above anything else.

Do you feel distant from the Lord in prayer? Are you the one doing all the talking? Has the rote repetition of devotions replaced spontaneous, two-way conversation with Jesus?

Scrupulosity is a medical condition. People who suffer from it are unable to handle everyday life. They might pray for forgiveness every time they laugh, pray every time they open a door, or pray every time before they get into a car. Their fear of damnation is so intense that they break out in cold sweats, have severe panic attacks, and occasionally pass out from fear. One person I knew that had it would try to attend Confession once every three hours.

Again, I seriously doubt you have the medical condition known as scrupulosity. You might have very minor scruples in the spiritual sense though. These are easy to overcome.

Whenever you’re getting scrupulous, step outside of yourself and laugh at how silly you’re being. This will neutralize the evil one’s attacks. You could also offer a really quick prayer to Christ as well.

Good luck, and God bless!

By: Jason

Jason — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:53:33 +0000

God bless you for posting this. I, too, believe I struggle with scrupulosity at times. My confessor has encouraged me to seek confession as often as I need to, but as long as I am making confession a regular part of my life, NEVER refuse to receive Our Lord in the Eucharist. We can spiritually starve if we separate ourselves from the Eucharist simply because we feel we aren’t worthy. That has been a great comfort to me. I go to confession once or twice a month and go to Mass and receive Communion whether I feel worthy or not. That has been a tremendous relief to me.

Again, God bless you for your courage.

By: Jeff Miller

Jeff Miller — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:13:28 +0000

One of the things I have read about scrupulosity when it comes to confession is total obedience to the confessor is a good cure.

Having a confessor that understands scrupulosity and is able to bind you in obedience to their judgment separating actual sin from scrupulosity is suppose to be a great help.