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.

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A new podcast is beginning on June 6th!

Sound Mind is a podcast that invites listeners into immersive, scripture-rich reflections on the mental, emotional, and spiritual realities of life—guided by a biblical lens and pastoral heart.

The Host of Sound Mind is Jonathan Kindler professor at the Living Faith Bible Institute, Counselor at Sound Mind Counseling, and associate pastor at Midtown Baptist Temple.

New episodes of the Sound Mind released weekly on every major podcast platform.

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Visit https://www.soundmind.live/podcast

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In this episode we speak with LFBI professor and professional counselor Jonathan Kindler regarding therapeutic culture and America’s obsession with finding personal happiness. Despite a pervasive mental health culture, why is depression and anxiety at an all time high? In this episode we reveal a better pursuit: joy and a divine mission.

We discuss the elusiveness of happiness when it’s made life's ultimate goal. Brian opens the Bible on this topic revealing how truer happiness is a byproduct of a walk with God.