Within circles of faith, most moral guidance given to Catholics emphasizes “headline” sins, such as sexual immorality, anger, impiety, greed, and the like—perhaps rightfully so, as such vices are indeed deadly. Since scrupulosity usually involves good Catholics who take the moral life very seriously (as they should), it is at risk of being brushed off as unimportant. But more attention ought to be paid to scrupulosity, which steals away a righteous person’s joy and peace, leaving behind only anxiety and distress.
What exactly is scrupulosity in the Catholic sense of the term? Scrupulosity is a way of thinking in which a person convinces himself that he has committed sins when in reality he has not, and/or falsely believes that venial sins he has committed are in fact mortal. This can stem from a false line of reasoning which concludes that all offenses against God are equally grave and that even what most people view as minor sins are to be taken very seriously.
This mentality is erroneous in a number of ways but, thankfully, there are solutions that may assist a scrupulous person back onto a healthy road of faith. Firstly, it is important to distinguish between material and formal sin. Material sin refers to acts that have objectively sinful gravity, without considering the particular person committing the act. Once the specific person is taken into account, the act is discussed formally. This allows for distinctions to be made, for instance between a materially mortal sin that, if committed without sufficient freedom or knowledge, is not formally mortal (does not confer full culpability upon the person). So those who feel guilt to the point of scrupulosity about past actions done in ignorance, for example, may find it helpful to remember that materially sinful acts are not necessarily formally mortal sins. Distinguishing between the temptation to sin and an actual sin is another matter. Scrupulosity can often center around perceived sinful thoughts, and while it is certainly true that one can sin not only in deed but in thought (cf. Mt. 5:28), thoughts that arrive in the mind are beyond one’s control. One’s duty lies in refusing to entertain sinful thoughts and willing not to dwell on, or gain pleasure from, them. Only when one knowingly encourages and embraces impure thoughts does he sin.
Trusting that venial sin is no match for God’s supernatural grace is the next step in the battle against scrupulosity. Often, a scrupulous person may misuse the confessional by running too often (e.g. multiple times a week) to the Sacrament with already-confessed sins, venial sins from the distant past, or other obsessive worries about being forgiven. Venial sins and small imperfections are not going to easily chase away God’s grace and mercy, and one must trust that His sovereign forgiveness is potent and cannot be outdone by such shortcomings.
Sometimes, these theological and philosophical corrections fall short of what a person with scrupulosity needs to overcome their struggle. This is when an authentically Catholic therapist, spiritual advisor, or trusted confessor should be turned to for additional support and guidance (though spiritual advising is always a good idea regardless). Having someone of authority who can be a source of light and God’s love in the pits of scrupulosity as well as provide accountability is indispensable.
Those who grapple with scruples must maintain hope in God’s power, which is beyond human understanding and can overcome all failings, misconceptions, and worries. Something to keep close to heart is that God is not a tyrant who imposes His arbitrary law upon our lives to make us miserable and is waiting to punish our slightest misstep. The Truth of God’s law is encoded in our deepest being and is ultimately the key to thriving as a human being. At every person’s core is his free choice either to love God and obey Him or not. God sees this inner desire despite any lack of clarity within the person himself, and He will never abandon one of His flock, no matter how he may stumble or stray.
Many saints such as St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Alphonsus Liguori, and St. Therese of Lisieux have struggled immensely with scrupulosity. Heeding their advice could be a great comfort for those with similar issues. St. Ignatius writes that, “The soul which desires to benefit itself in the spiritual life, ought always to proceed the contrary way to what the enemy proceeds… if the enemy tries to draw it out to extreme fineness (sensitivity), let the soul try to establish itself in the mean, in order to quiet itself in everything.” The key to overcoming scrupulosity is healthy moderation, in which one recognizes that mortal sins are eternally serious yet also that minor human errors (real or perceived) are minuscule compared to God’s infinite gift of grace.
Liana Winans is a lifelong Bostonian studying Biology as a freshman in MCAS. While not working on Torch articles or practicing pro-life apologetics, she will often be found playing basketball in the Rec, reading at the Res, playing piano, or watching old action movies. Her go-to prayer is the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
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