Scrupulosity

[The Bus Station]

Lately I've been having a difficult time with confession. As much as I tell myself that God has forgiven me, I have this feeling lurking in the back of my mind that somehow my confession was invalid, even when I [i]know[/i] I've confessed all my sins.

I read up on my feelings and it would seem, by definition, that I am being scrupulous, and this itself is sinful. I don't doubt God's mercy, and I don't doubt his capability and willingness to forgive my sins. It's just a feeling I can't shake, like there's something more I'm supposed to be saying or doing but I don't know what it is. Is this sinful? Thanks in advance.

[cappie]

The scrupulous conscience, prompted by imaginary reasons, is in constant dread of sin where there is none , or of mortal sin where there is only venial sin.[b] The basic factor in a scrupulous conscience is not so much error as fear.[/b] The anxieties are not really rational in character, hence they do not enter into the judgment of conscience.

The remedies for scrupulosity are: prayer and trust in God, unconditional trustful obedience to one's confessor and or spiritual director, formation of general rules of moral conductnand faithful adherence to them.

Finally one may act contrary to a scrupulous conscience without sinning.