SCRUPLES:
(Lat. scrupulus 'small sharp stone').
"In moral theology unfounded fears
that there is sin where there is none.
Scrupulosity may be the result of much
ascetic reading of rigorist tendency,
but more often is the outcome of
nervous distrubances. It usually
manifests itself in the fear of having
consented to sinful imaginations and
desires, of having made incomplete
confessions, and of being unworthy
of the reception of the sacraments.
It may also err with regard to duties
which it is prone to see where they do
not exist. Scrupulosity, which often in-
clines the penitent to refuse submission
to the judgement of his (or her) con-
fessor, may lead to sins of obstinacy
and despair, or, conversely, to self-
indulgence. The scrupulous, who are
discouraged from making minute
confessions, are usually counselled to
disregard their scruples and to act
in obedience to the advice of a
prudent spiritual director."
The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian
Church. Edited by Lady Margaret Profesor
of Divinity F. L. Cross. 1958. pp. 1234.
(Periodically, I shall post here other religious
(Periodically, I shall post here other religious
definitions that take my fancy and to which
I shall "scrupulously" share with you all ...)
In French: "Scrupuleux."
In German: "Gewissenshaft."
Truly, Monty. +12th Day of Lent, 2oo8.
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