Episode 254: Navigating Compulsive Behavior Biblically
Compulsive behavior is the product of ones need to establish a sense of control amidst all their anxious thoughts. Obsessive compulsion is fairly common — the National Institute of Mental Health say 2.3% of adults struggle with OCD in their lifetime. Many people get stuck in cycles of excessive and irrational performance BUT what if I told you that oftentimes spirituality and religion can exacerbate these tendencies?
Scrupulosity—often called religious OCD—is a quiet struggle in many churches, where sincere Christians feel stuck in constant guilt and fear. They worry they’re never doing enough for God, replaying thoughts and prayers over and over just to feel “safe.” Instead of resting in Christ, they live exhausted and unsure. It looks like devotion on the outside, but inside it’s a trap of fear that steals joy and confidence. On today’s show we hope to shine a light on this often-misunderstood battle to better understand how the gospel frees people from the weight of compulsive religion and leads them back into real peace with Christ.
To guide us through this important conversation, we’re joined by Jonathan Kindler, biblical counselor, faculty professor at LFBI and host of the Sound Mind podcast.
To learn more on the topic, please read the notes included for this week’s episode.
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