Scrupulosity

Spectrum of disorders from ordinary concern to guard against self-deception at the low end of the scale and OCD and other mental illnesses at the high end.

One man's meat is another man's poison

Different sicknesses require different treatments. I am allergic to penicillin. It's fine for most of the world, but it would kill me. Some of the sayings of Jesus and the saints are exactly what most people need to hear, but preaching perfectionism to perfectionists is deadly to them.

Virtue is the mean between extremes

Contrition is essential to the development of the spiritual life. As we begin the journey, it often happens that we become anxious about unintentional sins, unconfessed sins, the quality of our confession, and the fullness of God's mercy. Those who suffer from scrupulosity lack a sane and balanced judgment of what they have done, so their guilt knows no bounds.

unscrupulous

contrite

scrupulous

Links

• Perfectionism.
• Virtue.
• Prudence.
• Good guilt vs. bad guilt.
• Faith and feelings.
• Angel of Light.
• "Prudence and Scrupulosity."
• Scrupulous Anonymous.
• Scruples and Sainthood: Accepting and Overcoming Scruples with the Help of the Saints.