Anxiety And Sin: A Catholic Perspective

Anxiety and depression are often misunderstood, even by Christians. While some Christians may view anxiety as a sin, others disagree. In the Bible, Jesus instructs his followers to refrain from worrying about their life and asks if worrying can add a single moment to their lifespan. He ends with the words, Do not worry about tomorrow. However, some Christians interpret Bible passages such as Have no anxiety at all and Do not be anxious about your life as instructions to not worry or feel anxious. The view that anxiety is a sin stems from the belief that it indicates a lack of trust in God and His plan. On the other hand, some Christians believe that anxiety is not a sin but rather a normal part of the human experience. They argue that even Jesus, Mary, and Joseph experienced worry and concern, and that it is proof of their humanity rather than a sign of something wrong.

Jesus' teachings on anxiety

Jesus taught that anxiety is a sin, and that we should not be anxious about our lives. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his followers to refrain from worrying about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or about their bodies. He asks if worrying can add a single moment to their lifespan, and points out that their Heavenly Father provides for the birds and clothes the grass of the field. He ends with the words, "Do not worry about tomorrow".

Jesus taught four key principles about fear, worry, and anxiety:

• My Anxiety Reveals What I Value: Jesus taught that anxiety reveals what we value. In Matthew 6:19–24, he reminded his followers that life on earth is short and that they cannot take anything with them. He taught that if they value the world's priorities more than God's priorities, they will be anxious about worldly things.
• My Anxiety Reflects My View of God: Jesus taught that worry stems from a lack of belief that God will act in a good way toward us. He gently rebukes those who doubt God's provision and power, saying, "O you of little faith".
• My Anxiety Is Related to My Trust Level in God: Jesus taught that his followers lacked the power to control the outcome of their troubles, but that God was powerful. He wanted them to understand that they did not need to fear because he had the power to intervene.
• My Anxiety Is Redirected Best by Compassionately Serving Others: Jesus taught that worry accomplishes little, and that focusing on serving others can help to manage anxiety. He called his followers to pray for the harvest, to serve in planting seeds, and to make a difference, even if they are struggling with anxiety.

Jesus taught that anxiety is a result of a lack of trust in God. He wanted his followers to understand that God knows their needs and cares for them. He taught them to seek God's kingdom first and to trust that God would provide for their needs.

Anxiety as a sin vs a mental illness

The Religious Perspective

Anxiety and worry are often seen as a lack of trust in God and His plan. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs his followers to refrain from worrying about their lives, what they will eat or drink, or what they will wear. He asks if worrying can add a single moment to their lifespan and urges them not to worry about tomorrow. This is a direct call to trust in God and His providence.

Paul and Jesus explicitly command followers not to be anxious, so some interpret anxiety as a sin. Jesus says:

> "Do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on" (Matthew 6:25).

Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians:

> "Have no anxiety at all, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

The Mental Health Perspective

However, anxiety is also a very real mental health issue that affects many people. It is characterised by excessive and persistent worry and fear, and it can significantly impact one's ability to enjoy relationships and function well at work. It is important to distinguish between the gift of fear, which is protective and healthy, and anxiety, which is neither.

Anxiety can hijack the brain's danger-alert system, causing disproportionate responses to threats or feelings of panic when no danger is present. It is not something one can simply choose to stop feeling, and it is not a choice or a personal failure. It is a clinical disorder that often requires professional help, including medication, therapy, and spiritual and emotional support.

Reconciling the Two Perspectives

While the religious perspective sees anxiety as a sin, the mental health perspective recognises it as a disorder. Reconciling these views, some religious figures suggest that while anxiety itself may not be a sin, it can lead to sinful behaviour. For example, a person with anxiety may become so focused on their worries that they neglect their relationship with God or fail to trust in His providence. In this sense, it is not the anxiety itself that is sinful but the actions or lack of trust that may result from it.

Additionally, it is important to note that while religion urges followers not to worry, it also recognises the reality of anxiety and offers guidance on how to manage it. The Bible encourages followers to turn to prayer and meditation to find peace and relief from anxiety. It also emphasises the importance of trust in God and His providence as a way to overcome anxiety.

In conclusion, anxiety can be viewed as both a sin and a mental illness, depending on the perspective. From a religious standpoint, anxiety can be seen as a lack of trust in God, which is considered sinful. However, mental health professionals recognise anxiety as a disorder that requires treatment. Ultimately, both perspectives offer guidance on how to manage and overcome anxiety, whether through prayer and trust in God or through professional treatment and support.

The role of the Church in addressing anxiety

Anxiety is a complex cognitive and emotional response that can be caused by various factors, including stress, depression, mental illness, or life circumstances. While it is not considered a sin in Catholicism, it can interfere with one's ability to live a joyful and peaceful life. The Church has a crucial role in helping individuals manage their anxiety and providing spiritual and emotional support.

Recognizing Anxiety as a Real Condition

The Church must first acknowledge that anxiety and depression are valid mental health issues. These conditions are often misunderstood, even by Christians, due to their personal and internal nature. By recognizing them as real illnesses, the Church can provide a supportive environment for those suffering from anxiety and help dispel misconceptions that may prevent people from seeking help.

Offering Support and Guidance

The Church can offer support, warmth, and prayers to individuals struggling with anxiety. It can provide a sense of community and connection, which is essential for those facing isolation and loneliness due to their condition. Additionally, the Church can guide individuals towards professional help, such as counseling, therapy, and medication, recognizing that mental illnesses require specific care and treatment.

Spiritual Practices and Mindfulness

Spiritual practices and mindfulness techniques can play a protective role against anxiety. The Church can encourage individuals to develop a healthy spiritual life, integrating faith with daily life, and actively participating in loving and supportive communities. Mindfulness, which involves observing one's thoughts, habits, choices, and relationships, can be a powerful tool for responding to anxiety and facilitating emotional and spiritual healing.

Distinguishing Between Worry and Fear

Worry and fear are often associated with anxiety, but it is essential to understand their differences. Worry is a conscious choice, while fear is an involuntary emotion. By recognizing this distinction, individuals can learn to manage their worry through prayer, meditation, or reading the Bible. The Church can guide individuals to reframe their worry into productive actions, such as praying or seeking professional help.

Emphasizing Faith and Trust in God

Anxiety can be seen as a lack of trust in God's providence. The Church can help individuals strengthen their faith and encourage them to trust in God's sovereign care. Through scripture, such as Philippians 4:6 and Matthew 6:25, the Church can remind individuals that God wants us to bring our requests to Him and trust in His provision. This shift in perspective can help reduce anxiety and foster peace and contentment.

In conclusion, the Church plays a vital role in addressing anxiety by offering spiritual guidance, support, and practical tools. By recognizing anxiety as a real condition, providing spiritual practices, distinguishing between worry and fear, and emphasizing faith and trust in God, the Church can help individuals manage their anxiety and find peace and healing.

Catholic practices to manage anxiety

Anxiety is a common experience, and it can be challenging to reconcile it with the Christian call to "have no anxiety at all" (Philippians 4:6). While it is important to seek professional help for severe anxiety, there are also Catholic practices that can help individuals manage their anxiety and find peace. Here are some practices that may be beneficial:

Prayer and Spiritual Reading

Prayer is a powerful tool for Catholics struggling with anxiety. It provides a sense of comfort and peace and helps individuals feel more connected to God. Reciting specific prayers for anxiety, such as the "Let Nothing Disturb You" prayer by St. Teresa of Avila or the Serenity Prayer, can be comforting. Additionally, spiritual reading, such as reading the Sacred Scriptures or books by saints and theologians, can nourish the spiritual life and provide guidance.

Lectio Divina and Meditation

Lectio Divina, a practice of reading and reflecting on scripture, can help individuals feel more connected to God and less anxious about their problems. Other Catholic meditation practices, such as the Ignatian practice of active contemplation, can also be beneficial.

Daily Routines and Cheerfulness

Establishing a daily routine that includes prayer and spiritual reading can provide structure and a sense of control. Choosing cheerfulness, even when it feels difficult, can benefit both the individual experiencing anxiety and those around them.

Focusing on the Present and Helping Others

Jesus taught us to focus on the present moment and not worry about the future (Matthew 6:34). Instead of getting caught up in predictions or "what ifs", it is helpful to focus on the present need and how we can serve others. Thinking outwardly and finding ways to help those in need can take our minds off our own anxiety and bring comfort to others.

Physical Activity and Time in Nature

Engaging in physical activity, such as going for walks outdoors, can work wonders for the mood and the mind. Spending time in nature, observing the beauty of creation, and breathing fresh air can help reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

Seeking Professional Help

For severe anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. This may include medication, counseling, and other forms of therapy. It is not a sign of weakness to ask for help, and it can be a crucial step towards healing and managing anxiety effectively.

Distinguishing between worry, fear and anxiety

While worry, fear, and anxiety are related and often co-occur, they are distinct from one another. Understanding these differences can help us determine how to deal with them.

Worry

Worry is a conscious action that resides in our minds. It is specific and grounded in reality, and it is usually short-term. For example, you may worry about your odds of contracting COVID-19 or how you will homeschool your children. Worry can lead to problem-solving and taking precautions, such as wearing a mask or washing your hands.

Fear

Fear is an emotional response to a known or definite threat. For instance, if someone points a gun at you and announces a robbery, you will likely experience fear. It is shorter-lived and happens in response to a clear and present danger.

Anxiety

Anxiety affects both the body and the mind. It is a vague sense of apprehension that often arises from an unknown, expected, or poorly defined threat. It can be longer-lasting and persistent, compromising your ability to function. For example, you may feel anxious about starting a new job or giving a presentation at work.

Anxiety has three main components: emotional, physiological, and cognitive. The emotional component includes feelings of fear and dread; the physiological component includes bodily sensations such as heart palpitations and sweating; and the cognitive component involves negative thoughts and worries about the future.

While worry is a component of anxiety symptoms, anxiety also includes other elements, such as physical sensations and emotional responses.

Frequently asked questions