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Scrupulosity: religious OCD
When OCD focuses on sin, blasphemy, salvation or moral purity, and how faith and treatment can work together.
In preparationNot yet reviewed
This page is being written
It will be reviewed by a clinician before it's published. It will cover:
- How scrupulosity shows up for people of faith
- The difference between conscience and OCD doubt
- Why repeated confession, prayer or reassurance can become compulsions
- How clergy and therapists can work together
From Scripture
For reflection
Optional. These passages sit alongside care. They aren't a promise of healing or an answer to a doubt.
because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.
A condemning feeling is not the final word.
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
World English Bible · public domain
Read now from trusted organisations
- What is OCD & scrupulosity?International OCD Foundation(opens in a new tab)
- Living with OCD & religious traditionsInternational OCD Foundation(opens in a new tab)
Links checked Oct 19, 2026