Understanding Scrupulosity: Questions, Helps, and Encouragement

By Thomas M. Santa

Book Overview

Many people, at one time or another, struggle with faith issues about sin, guilt, punishment, and hell. But a large segment of the population, many of them Catholic, are so afraid of sin that their lives are marked with anxiety and fear. These people suffer from an affliction called "scrupulosity." Rather than experiencing faith as a source of peace, scrupulous individuals can't seem to shake their feelings of impending doom, disappointment, and eventual condemnation. Based on thirty-five years of questions and answers to the Scrupulous Anonymous newsletter, this book provides specific answers to questions and concerns related to sin, confession, self-worth, sexuality, prayer, God's forgiveness, thoughts, dreams, fantasies, and other issues. It offers words of encouragement and helpful suggestions to those who suffer from this affliction and for those who counsel them. Paperback

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0764815768
• ISBN13: 9780764815768
• Release Date: March 2007
• Publisher: Liguori
• Length: 303 Pages
• Weight: 0.98 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 0.8" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Helpful Primer

JMJ+ I found Fr. Thomas M. Santa's pastoral hand to be gentle like the Lord's merciful hand should be. This is a book helpful for those who are curious about the nature of scrupulosity or who think they might suffer from it themselves. The question-answer format is almost catechetical, and the testimonies of Sts. Ignatius of Loyola and Alphonsus Liguori serve to encourage the anxious mind. Indeed, this book is encouraging! One matter I found perplexing, and one I wonder if it is addressed by other writings on the subject (here's my ignorance) is the matter of pride. Seeking a good confessor, spiritual director, and/or Catholic therapist would be helpful for anyone who truly suffers from this "doubting disease." May the Lord in His mercy and love heal us of our wounds by His own wounds!