Q: I got back into my faith about a year ago. I was away for 10 years, and I made my first confession since being away. I am struggling with scrupulosity in regard to sins, such as what sin could cross over into mortal sins. A movie came out and I bought tickets for it. However, I can’t help feeling as though I shouldn’t go because of the “sorcery or dark arts” involved in the movie. Is it a mortal sin to feel like I shouldn’t go, but go anyway? Or should I not go to avoid mortal sin? Please help! — Amanda
Answered by Fr. Edward McIlmail, LC:
It is good to hear that you returned to practicing your faith. The gift of conversion is a great grace that you want to make the most of.
As for your situation, let’s try to unpack it a bit.
A problem with scrupulosity is that a person ends up seeing mortal sin where there is no mortal sin.
It’s a somewhat different case when there is doubt about the line between venial and mortal sin.
To pose a blunt question: If you thought that something was “only” a venial sin, would you still do it? If the answer is yes, then sloth, not scrupulosity, is the problem.
And if you go ahead and do something that you think might be gravely sinful, that itself would be sinful since it shows a bad intention.
If scrupulosity is the problem, that needs to be addressed, perhaps with the help of a solid, regular confessor or a spiritual director.
In the meantime, if you are having second thoughts about attending the movie, you might want to err on the side of caution and skip it. In general, that is a prudent decision given the content of many movies nowadays.
Part of the fruit of having a good prayer life and access to the sacraments should be a growth in virtue. We should be desirous of the things of God and less of the things of the world.
Remember, being a good Catholic isn’t just about avoiding mortal sin. It’s about striving to become a saint. At a minimum that means avoiding things that could be a near occasion of sin for us.
Remember, too, that your core identity is that you are a beloved daughter of God. Jesus suffered and died on a cross for your redemption, so much does he love you.
God only wants your holiness and happiness. He hopes that you open your heart to him; he wants you to be with him forever in heaven someday.
To help you reach that goal, you might recall the words of St. Paul: “Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).
So, on the positive side, ask yourself: “Is this the kind of movie that gives glory to God? Will it help me grow closer to Our Lord? Is it a movie that will inspire me to holiness?”
This might be worth taking to prayer.
