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Can Christianity Cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?: A Psychiatrist Explores the Role of Faith in Treatment
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relentless condition, the primary symptom being the occurrence of terrifying ideas, images, and urges that jump into a person's mind and return again and again, despite the individual's attempt to remove them.
Christians who suffer from OCD may grapple with additional guilt, as the undesired thoughts are frequently of a spiritual nature. Yet people may be surprised to learn that some of the greatest leaders in Christian history also struggled with this malady. What did they experience? How did they cope? Were they able to overcome these tormenting, often violent, obsessions? Where did God fit into the picture?
Ian Osborn shares the personal accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as his own story, in exploring how faith and science work together to address this complex issue.
Christians who suffer from OCD may grapple with additional guilt, as the undesired thoughts are frequently of a spiritual nature. Yet people may be surprised to learn that some of the greatest leaders in Christian history also struggled with this malady. What did they experience? How did they cope? Were they able to overcome these tormenting, often violent, obsessions? Where did God fit into the picture?
Ian Osborn shares the personal accounts of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, as well as his own story, in exploring how faith and science work together to address this complex issue.
208 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
39 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
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March 14, 2020
Under normal circumstances, I would never suggest that Christianity can cure mental illness, but because OCD is extremely responsive to cognitive behavioral therapy, it is possible for a sufferer to deal with their obsessions and compulsions by coming to a different, better understanding of themselves and God. My OCD hugely improved after I came to a clearer understanding of the gospel and grasped that because the righteousness of Christ was credited to my account, I was not under constant judgment for every intrusive thought that came into my head. I continued to work through my "thinking problems," as I called them, through the framework of Christianity, and even though I eventually discovered a diagnosis in 2015, I had already made it through the worst of my disorder and experienced significant healing without even knowing what was wrong, much less seeking professional help.
I cracked down on OCD in early 2016, and by the end of that summer, I was freer from it than I had ever imagined possible. I continue to read books about it to better understand and classify my memories, and to work on peeling away long-buried and comparatively insignificant elements of it, but OCD is something I have mostly conquered. Because of this, even though I am sure that this title will alarm some of the people who follow me, I know from personal experience how valid it can be to process this specific mental illness through the framework of personal Christian faith.
During my journey of finding and reading OCD books, I was often extremely aggravated by the negativity that psychologists have towards religion, because in addition to reinforcing one of several reasons why I had refused to seek professional help, they were also dismissing and criticizing the primary source of my psychic healing. Because of these negative experiences, I enjoyed this book tremendously. In addition to explaining how OCD works, providing a short history of how psychologists have understood and treated the disorder throughout history (I hate you with all of my heart, Freud!), and addressing concerns about how to find a therapist, whether or not to go on meds, and which treatment approach to take, this book also tells the stories of historically significant Christians who have suffered from OCD, showing how their mental sufferings catalyzed their theological contributions and helped Christians return to a more biblical understanding of salvation.
I had previously read this author's other book, in which he wrote about a number of different historical figures' OCD, and I enjoyed this later publication's deep dive into the experiences of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Catholic Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. I had never heard of Thérèse until the first book, but Luther and Bunyan's testimonies and work have spoken to my soul since I was a small child, and it fascinated me to learn more about how their mental distresses align perfectly with an OCD diagnosis. It's encouraging under any circumstances to learn that highly respected, majorly contributing historical Christians share your affliction, but it's especially meaningful in this case, because Luther's testimony and theology were such an anchor to me in the midst of my deepest distress, and because Bunyan's testimony and Pilgrim's Progress have also meant a great deal to me. I used to picture my OCD as being the kind of burden that Christian carried, and often drew on Bunyan's allegorical images and messages to help me cope, in addition to clinging to Luther's five solas like my life depended on it.
It makes so much sense that I connected so deeply with both of these historical figures and their work, since they also suffered from OCD. I never could have imagined at the time that such a connection existed, however, and just focused on the relief of their strong messages that our sin is fully paid for in Christ, and that God has forgiven us because of His love and mercy, not because of anything that we have done. Both Luther and Bunyan suffered persecution from the religious elites of their day for challenging a works-based view of salvation, and as this author explains, part of the reason why they were willing to suffer so much for a return to a biblical view of salvation is because they had sought these answers in response to tremendous psychic distress.
This book is a solid source for any Christian who is interested in understanding OCD in their lives or the life of a loved one. Even though this book focuses on symptoms of religious scrupulosity, which was the most significant presenting form of the disorder in historic religious cultures, the messages and encouragements apply to any obsessional theme, and it is inspiring and helpful to see how historic Christians managed their disorders and also helped change Christianity (and civilization, in Luther's case!) because of them. I'm so glad that this book exists, and will be keeping it in my forever library.
I cracked down on OCD in early 2016, and by the end of that summer, I was freer from it than I had ever imagined possible. I continue to read books about it to better understand and classify my memories, and to work on peeling away long-buried and comparatively insignificant elements of it, but OCD is something I have mostly conquered. Because of this, even though I am sure that this title will alarm some of the people who follow me, I know from personal experience how valid it can be to process this specific mental illness through the framework of personal Christian faith.
During my journey of finding and reading OCD books, I was often extremely aggravated by the negativity that psychologists have towards religion, because in addition to reinforcing one of several reasons why I had refused to seek professional help, they were also dismissing and criticizing the primary source of my psychic healing. Because of these negative experiences, I enjoyed this book tremendously. In addition to explaining how OCD works, providing a short history of how psychologists have understood and treated the disorder throughout history (I hate you with all of my heart, Freud!), and addressing concerns about how to find a therapist, whether or not to go on meds, and which treatment approach to take, this book also tells the stories of historically significant Christians who have suffered from OCD, showing how their mental sufferings catalyzed their theological contributions and helped Christians return to a more biblical understanding of salvation.
I had previously read this author's other book, in which he wrote about a number of different historical figures' OCD, and I enjoyed this later publication's deep dive into the experiences of Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Catholic Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. I had never heard of Thérèse until the first book, but Luther and Bunyan's testimonies and work have spoken to my soul since I was a small child, and it fascinated me to learn more about how their mental distresses align perfectly with an OCD diagnosis. It's encouraging under any circumstances to learn that highly respected, majorly contributing historical Christians share your affliction, but it's especially meaningful in this case, because Luther's testimony and theology were such an anchor to me in the midst of my deepest distress, and because Bunyan's testimony and Pilgrim's Progress have also meant a great deal to me. I used to picture my OCD as being the kind of burden that Christian carried, and often drew on Bunyan's allegorical images and messages to help me cope, in addition to clinging to Luther's five solas like my life depended on it.
It makes so much sense that I connected so deeply with both of these historical figures and their work, since they also suffered from OCD. I never could have imagined at the time that such a connection existed, however, and just focused on the relief of their strong messages that our sin is fully paid for in Christ, and that God has forgiven us because of His love and mercy, not because of anything that we have done. Both Luther and Bunyan suffered persecution from the religious elites of their day for challenging a works-based view of salvation, and as this author explains, part of the reason why they were willing to suffer so much for a return to a biblical view of salvation is because they had sought these answers in response to tremendous psychic distress.
This book is a solid source for any Christian who is interested in understanding OCD in their lives or the life of a loved one. Even though this book focuses on symptoms of religious scrupulosity, which was the most significant presenting form of the disorder in historic religious cultures, the messages and encouragements apply to any obsessional theme, and it is inspiring and helpful to see how historic Christians managed their disorders and also helped change Christianity (and civilization, in Luther's case!) because of them. I'm so glad that this book exists, and will be keeping it in my forever library.
October 29, 2014
This book gave me hope at a time when I had very little. Specifically, it gave me hope that my faith could not only be reconciled with my scrupulosity, but could actually help it. At the time I was struggling with extreme scrupulosity, and it felt that the Christ I had clung to my whole life had now become the enemy in my brain. I was in extreme emotional pain. This book showed me examples in history of others who had gone through a similar struggle, and how it was the deep realization of God's unconditional love for them that had proved the breakthrough in their struggles. I was most especially touched by the story of St. Therese of Lisieux, I think partly because she was a woman, and partly because I was totally unfamiliar with her story before I read the book. While certainly the fuller comprehension of God's unconditional love is not the only thing a person with scrupulosity needs, I truly believe it touches the root of the matter. A person with this particular form of OCD may never have the courage to try options like CBT without first becoming convinced that God will not cease to love them even if they do things their OCD brains perceive as possible sins. OR, they may commit the opposite (but equally tragic) error of concluding that God does hate them and Christianity cannot coincide with mental health, and reject God and Christianity as manmade, maladaptive - even evil - systems of thought. In either case, the "Devil" wins (in my opinion). So thankful this book came into my hands at the moment when I needed it.
May 1, 2017
This book really helped me, it gave me hope. It was the first time that I read something that comforted me in knowing I am not alone. It shed light on how specific influential people in Christianity's past had dealt with this anxiety disorder as well, and they went on to change "the shape of Christian belief". Also, the author had OCD and came out on the other side :) I loved this book. God can take the negative and turn it to good.
March 7, 2023
What finally brought peace to the troubled minds of these believers was simple trust in Christ and what He had accomplished for them. Not knowing the author, I was surprised at how clearly he represented the vital element of faith alone in your walk with Christ. Although I think he slightly misrepresented Bunyan and Luther (and more importantly, the work of the Spirit) when he chose to explain everything they accomplished through the lens of OCD, I found his overall conclusions helpful.
Very blessed by this book.
Very blessed by this book.
November 18, 2023
4⭐️ This one hit right in the 🫀!
This was a fantastic insight into several important figures in Christian and Catholic history that had OCD and how they treated themselves before the immersion of CBT and ERP therapies. It delved into the biochemical background of OCD, the popular forms of therapy for it, and discussed the background and heaviness that ROCD (religious OCD) can have on an individual. Great information and a great read!
This was a fantastic insight into several important figures in Christian and Catholic history that had OCD and how they treated themselves before the immersion of CBT and ERP therapies. It delved into the biochemical background of OCD, the popular forms of therapy for it, and discussed the background and heaviness that ROCD (religious OCD) can have on an individual. Great information and a great read!
October 10, 2020
I asked a friend of mine who is a psychologist if he has any book recommendations for a Christian perspective on OCD. The danger is always that a Christian psychiatrist will minimize the psychical or neurological aspect and reduce it to a spiritual problem. Despite the title, Osborn does not reduce OCD to a spiritual problem. He explains the neurological, biological, and culture influences/causes and highlights ways believers can find relief from their suffering by “transferring responsibility” to Christ. Osborn encourages readers to have their pastors work alongside their psychologists to find holistic treatment.
The most interesting part of this book is probably Osborn’s mini-biographies on Martin Luther, Saint Therese, and John Bunyan as OCD sufferers. Despite their diverse theological backgrounds, they all came to the same point of trust in the person of God and His mercy. Their suffering led them to create works that have changed Christianity (in both Catholic and Protestant circles) in pivotal ways. Their suffering was, in a way, a gift, Osborn says. And for readers dealing with OCD, the feeling of helplessness that accompanies the disorder can actually be a gift, for it helps us be aware of our need and cling to Christ.
The writing in this book wasn’t great, but it also wasn’t awful. Overall, I thought it was a helpful read for those who either deal with OCD or have a loved one who does.
The most interesting part of this book is probably Osborn’s mini-biographies on Martin Luther, Saint Therese, and John Bunyan as OCD sufferers. Despite their diverse theological backgrounds, they all came to the same point of trust in the person of God and His mercy. Their suffering led them to create works that have changed Christianity (in both Catholic and Protestant circles) in pivotal ways. Their suffering was, in a way, a gift, Osborn says. And for readers dealing with OCD, the feeling of helplessness that accompanies the disorder can actually be a gift, for it helps us be aware of our need and cling to Christ.
The writing in this book wasn’t great, but it also wasn’t awful. Overall, I thought it was a helpful read for those who either deal with OCD or have a loved one who does.
July 4, 2022
If you don’t know someone or if you’re not personally struggling with scrupulosity, this book will hold very little meaning for you, however, if you do, this book is a gateway to understanding the psychology behind OCD and specifically how that can manifest in people within the Christian faith. It is a comfort as it recounts famous historical figures that have experienced this disorder and discusses their own struggle and triumph, but also incredibly informative as it discusses the way OCD works, how it shows itself in different forms, and treatments available. I read it slowly because I wanted to fully take in each word and overall I think it is an excellent resource for an issue that isn’t elaborated on much in other OCD books and gives a name to the struggles many face.
September 7, 2023
Overall I found the book helpful and insightful, with only few complaints. As a Catholic I found it hard to read Luther regarded as a hero for the Christian faith. I would not recommend this book to a Catholic who is not well formed in their faith. With that being said, I was able to take away nuggets of wisdom. The Therapy of Trust, or The Little Way are both so important for all Christians but most crucial for those suffering with OCD.
“For the committed Christian, however, OCD represents a rare opportunity for spiritual growth”
“For the committed Christian, however, OCD represents a rare opportunity for spiritual growth”
February 28, 2021
I recommend this book to anyone struggling with religious OCD, or just any Christian struggling with any type of OCD. The main premise of the book is how OCD sufferers have a heightened, unrealistic, burdensome sense of responsibility, and how that responsibility can be transferred to God. The stories of how Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Therese struggled with and found healing from OCD brought me a lot of hope. Overall, just a really interesting and encouraging read.
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May 31, 2023Still hate the title of this book but the content,,, oh boy! I feel understood and empowered in a way that I haven't necessarily felt before.
February 16, 2020
Obsessions and compulsions appear to have affected some of God’s favorite saints. “There are great saints who have won heaven by their works, but my favorite patrons are those who stole it--like the holy innocents and the good thief. I want to imitate these thieves and win Heaven by stratagem, a stratagem of love which will open its gates to me...Sanctity is a disposition of heart which is confident to the point of audacity in the goodness of our Father.” “Born in a holy soil, and impregnated with a virginal perfume,” Saint Terese of the Child Jesus, OCD (Order of Carmelites Discalced), developed the “Little Way” stratagem that proved the ancient spiritual predecessor to ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and enabled her to accept--and even laugh at--her fearfulness and timidity, doubts and scruples, obsessions and compulsions, as all part of her “littleness,” which was, in turn, always loved by God.
Luther was driven to his theological insights by a desperate need to find a cure for his own agonizing psychological problems. Although a perfect forest of words stands at his command, his thoughts were axes that felled trees. As the years passed, all that remained “was the stark-naked desire for help.” The clinical meaning of the term stays close to its Latin root, obsidere, meaning to besiege, as an army would attack a city for the purpose of forcing surrender. Luther chose the German word anfechtungen to describe the constant crucifixion of his thoughts. OCD is a taxonomy of tormenting cogitations, an interior martyrdom. The civil war of the mind is the hallmark of clinical obsession. Sola fide represented a specific and powerful cure for Luther’s obsessions and compulsions, perhaps the best…
Accepting a vision of his righteousness as Christ himself took Bunyan’s eyes from himself and to God, proving to be his salvation. Catholic saint (and first unofficial OCD therapist) Ignatius of Loyola boiled down to two principles: identify the source of a scruple (obsession) and oppose the scruple by acting in a manner contrary to it.
Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Therese Lisieux all appear to have suffered from what is now called obsessive compulsive disorder. Further, all three overcame it through faith that God would take all of the responsibility for their insistent fears. They discovered a powerful dynamic that involves the convergence of three fundamental Christian truths: the helplessness of oneself, the power of God, and the mercy of God to those who confidently
turn to him. The spiritual cure for OCD can be interpreted as a specific form of cognitive therapy. Rather than commitment to a principal or an idea, it is trust in a person, the person of God. The therapy of trust is a “cognitive restructuring, “the development of more healthy ways of thinking.” It is going into the deepest part of your mind and getting every thought out. It is not the rationality of an obsession with fear that is his question, but rather who should take responsibility for it. Transferring responsibility to God is itself a form of prayer.
For the committed Christian, OCD represents a rare opportunity for spiritual growth. Upon reflection on their lives, Luther, Bunyan, and Therese all remarked that they were glad they had suffered their tormenting fears, because through them they had learned the invaluable lesson of trust. Trust is the transformation of the question “What is truth?” to the person “Who is Truth?” Effective therapy for obsessions and compulsions always involves a fight. It’s a war and the enemy is OCD. Yet the person with obsessive compulsive disorder has a powerful weapon. It is the knowledge of what is true. Here she works constantly to prevent confusing the truth with the voice of obsessive compulsive disorder. In the words of Therese Lisieux, “and in your arms, O my Divine Spouse, I shall die singing on the battlefield my weapons in hand.”
OCD is more than just a disorder. Indeed, it can serve as a catalyst for great accomplishments. The disorder itself...through its effect on certain believers, has played a hidden role in the shaping of Christian doctrine. An individual’s religious beliefs are shaped by their psychological results. It has taken obsessive-compulsive disorder sufferers--theological canaries who can sense when individual responsibility has become choking--to take Christianity back to its true source. Perhaps it sometimes takes obsessive compulsive disorder to drive a person to this therapy of absolute trust in the power and mercy of the person of God.If Luther, Bunyan, and Therese can each be credited with bringing Christianity back to the crux of its theme--trust in the Truth--then can it also be argued that OCD may have “saved” Christianity?
Luther was driven to his theological insights by a desperate need to find a cure for his own agonizing psychological problems. Although a perfect forest of words stands at his command, his thoughts were axes that felled trees. As the years passed, all that remained “was the stark-naked desire for help.” The clinical meaning of the term stays close to its Latin root, obsidere, meaning to besiege, as an army would attack a city for the purpose of forcing surrender. Luther chose the German word anfechtungen to describe the constant crucifixion of his thoughts. OCD is a taxonomy of tormenting cogitations, an interior martyrdom. The civil war of the mind is the hallmark of clinical obsession. Sola fide represented a specific and powerful cure for Luther’s obsessions and compulsions, perhaps the best…
Accepting a vision of his righteousness as Christ himself took Bunyan’s eyes from himself and to God, proving to be his salvation. Catholic saint (and first unofficial OCD therapist) Ignatius of Loyola boiled down to two principles: identify the source of a scruple (obsession) and oppose the scruple by acting in a manner contrary to it.
Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Therese Lisieux all appear to have suffered from what is now called obsessive compulsive disorder. Further, all three overcame it through faith that God would take all of the responsibility for their insistent fears. They discovered a powerful dynamic that involves the convergence of three fundamental Christian truths: the helplessness of oneself, the power of God, and the mercy of God to those who confidently
turn to him. The spiritual cure for OCD can be interpreted as a specific form of cognitive therapy. Rather than commitment to a principal or an idea, it is trust in a person, the person of God. The therapy of trust is a “cognitive restructuring, “the development of more healthy ways of thinking.” It is going into the deepest part of your mind and getting every thought out. It is not the rationality of an obsession with fear that is his question, but rather who should take responsibility for it. Transferring responsibility to God is itself a form of prayer.
For the committed Christian, OCD represents a rare opportunity for spiritual growth. Upon reflection on their lives, Luther, Bunyan, and Therese all remarked that they were glad they had suffered their tormenting fears, because through them they had learned the invaluable lesson of trust. Trust is the transformation of the question “What is truth?” to the person “Who is Truth?” Effective therapy for obsessions and compulsions always involves a fight. It’s a war and the enemy is OCD. Yet the person with obsessive compulsive disorder has a powerful weapon. It is the knowledge of what is true. Here she works constantly to prevent confusing the truth with the voice of obsessive compulsive disorder. In the words of Therese Lisieux, “and in your arms, O my Divine Spouse, I shall die singing on the battlefield my weapons in hand.”
OCD is more than just a disorder. Indeed, it can serve as a catalyst for great accomplishments. The disorder itself...through its effect on certain believers, has played a hidden role in the shaping of Christian doctrine. An individual’s religious beliefs are shaped by their psychological results. It has taken obsessive-compulsive disorder sufferers--theological canaries who can sense when individual responsibility has become choking--to take Christianity back to its true source. Perhaps it sometimes takes obsessive compulsive disorder to drive a person to this therapy of absolute trust in the power and mercy of the person of God.If Luther, Bunyan, and Therese can each be credited with bringing Christianity back to the crux of its theme--trust in the Truth--then can it also be argued that OCD may have “saved” Christianity?
December 21, 2024
This is a look at Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder through the lens of Christianity. The author looks at the lives of some famous historical religious figures, Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and argues that their writings show they suffered from OCD. He then proposes that the ways they coped can have application to those who currently struggle with OCD. I was interested in this book because I suffered from OCD for a period of time as a teenager (about 20 years ago now). I’ve never read much about it, so this book was enlightening in that it helped me understand in a retrospective way much of what my brain was going through.
Osborn explains in the book what a typical treatment of Cognitive Behavior Therapy would look like for an OCD sufferer, and then he proposes some tweaks to it based on the Christian experiences of Luther, Bunyan, and Saint Therese. Basically, he suggests that Christians ought to commit themselves to giving full responsibility to God for whatever they are obsessing over: make the cognitive decision to view God as in complete control and able to allow or not allow their fears to take place. This is because people with OCD often have a high sense of responsibility towards other people and (of course) for not allowing their fears to take place. Once that “giving over” decision is made, they choose to resist compulsions (another step of Cognitive Behavior Therapy) as much as possible, seeing it as an act of obedient faith in God and showing that they trust him. Osborn argues that this was what Luther did with his belief in justification by faith - he stopped fearing his own lack of righteousness and gave full responsibility to God to make a way for him to be righteous through Christ. Likewise Bunyan conquered his fears by a commitment to giving his sins over to Jesus. Saint Therese coped with her mental struggles by picturing herself as a little child, completely dependent on God.
Osborn’s argument that Luther, Bunyan, and Saint Therese struggled with something beyond just normal worries was fairly compelling to me (especially Bunyan - the things Osborn quoted from him seemed like very good evidence of this type of affliction). I think theologians would find things to quibble with in Osborn’s representations of the various theological views in the book - I wasn’t always sure if he fully understood some of the theological terms he was throwing around. However, there was still enough good stuff here to ponder over and consider. Whether it would make any difference to a current Christian OCD sufferer I don’t know, but it seems within the realm of possibility.
At times it seemed as if Osborn was opining that Luther’s theological breakthroughs came about simply as a coping mechanism of his disordered brain, rather than truly coming from the text of Scripture. But in his final paragraph of the book, he asks the reader whether or not OCD may have been an affliction that God used in Luther, Bunyan, and Saint Therese’s lives to “save Christianity” (in other words, to bring people back to the truth that was always there). I also thought of how Dane Ortlund quoted frequently in his popular recent book Gentle and Lowly (which has had a large impact on people the past few years) from the writings of John Bunyan as Bunyan struggled through these issues. It’s an interesting reflection on how God may use our suffering in ways beyond our understanding.
Osborn explains in the book what a typical treatment of Cognitive Behavior Therapy would look like for an OCD sufferer, and then he proposes some tweaks to it based on the Christian experiences of Luther, Bunyan, and Saint Therese. Basically, he suggests that Christians ought to commit themselves to giving full responsibility to God for whatever they are obsessing over: make the cognitive decision to view God as in complete control and able to allow or not allow their fears to take place. This is because people with OCD often have a high sense of responsibility towards other people and (of course) for not allowing their fears to take place. Once that “giving over” decision is made, they choose to resist compulsions (another step of Cognitive Behavior Therapy) as much as possible, seeing it as an act of obedient faith in God and showing that they trust him. Osborn argues that this was what Luther did with his belief in justification by faith - he stopped fearing his own lack of righteousness and gave full responsibility to God to make a way for him to be righteous through Christ. Likewise Bunyan conquered his fears by a commitment to giving his sins over to Jesus. Saint Therese coped with her mental struggles by picturing herself as a little child, completely dependent on God.
Osborn’s argument that Luther, Bunyan, and Saint Therese struggled with something beyond just normal worries was fairly compelling to me (especially Bunyan - the things Osborn quoted from him seemed like very good evidence of this type of affliction). I think theologians would find things to quibble with in Osborn’s representations of the various theological views in the book - I wasn’t always sure if he fully understood some of the theological terms he was throwing around. However, there was still enough good stuff here to ponder over and consider. Whether it would make any difference to a current Christian OCD sufferer I don’t know, but it seems within the realm of possibility.
At times it seemed as if Osborn was opining that Luther’s theological breakthroughs came about simply as a coping mechanism of his disordered brain, rather than truly coming from the text of Scripture. But in his final paragraph of the book, he asks the reader whether or not OCD may have been an affliction that God used in Luther, Bunyan, and Saint Therese’s lives to “save Christianity” (in other words, to bring people back to the truth that was always there). I also thought of how Dane Ortlund quoted frequently in his popular recent book Gentle and Lowly (which has had a large impact on people the past few years) from the writings of John Bunyan as Bunyan struggled through these issues. It’s an interesting reflection on how God may use our suffering in ways beyond our understanding.
December 1, 2023
An interesting and selective review of the historical context of OCD expressed in Christianity. The author provided insights for understanding the possible expressions of OCD and its possible effects on the Christian belief system. He examined what was conveyed both explicitly and implicitly by the church and how some believers (more inclined to OCD symptoms) may have interpreted the church's messaging.
Edit 12/2023: I agree with the author's conclusion that trust in God is the basis for healing in living with OCD. For several years I've been living out a deeper commitment to God and am learning a stronger context of how living for him provides the answer for all things. Any healing or help is from God and the use of psychology or medicine must be based on who God says he is, what God says a human being is, and where all of creation is going in God’s plans.
Edit 12/2023: I agree with the author's conclusion that trust in God is the basis for healing in living with OCD. For several years I've been living out a deeper commitment to God and am learning a stronger context of how living for him provides the answer for all things. Any healing or help is from God and the use of psychology or medicine must be based on who God says he is, what God says a human being is, and where all of creation is going in God’s plans.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2021
4.5 ⭐️
I rarely give a book 5 ⭐️, but this one would be close. It’s the best book I’ve read on OCD that includes faith. The author is knowledgeable and balanced, meaning he recognizes the neurological imbalances of the OCD mind, as well as the intricacies of faith for someone who has OCD.
What are some reasons why I appreciated this book?
1. It acknowledges that OCD is real and NOT a result of lack of faith.
2. It shows that Christianity and a particular core biblical message, when practiced, might help a Christian OCD sufferer to overcome each OCD flare-up / episode.
3. It acknowledges other forms of OCD treatment and offers this proposed Christian cure as another form of treatment.
4. He uses both highly regarded Christian and reputable non-Christian references to support his theory.
I rarely give a book 5 ⭐️, but this one would be close. It’s the best book I’ve read on OCD that includes faith. The author is knowledgeable and balanced, meaning he recognizes the neurological imbalances of the OCD mind, as well as the intricacies of faith for someone who has OCD.
What are some reasons why I appreciated this book?
1. It acknowledges that OCD is real and NOT a result of lack of faith.
2. It shows that Christianity and a particular core biblical message, when practiced, might help a Christian OCD sufferer to overcome each OCD flare-up / episode.
3. It acknowledges other forms of OCD treatment and offers this proposed Christian cure as another form of treatment.
4. He uses both highly regarded Christian and reputable non-Christian references to support his theory.
December 30, 2023
“OCD sufferers cannot even take as a fact what they see with their own eyes: they can stare straight at a light switch, see that it is off, and yet fear that it is on. Therefore, they must search for something stronger to overcome a tormenting fear. That something stronger can be trust in another person.”
Only a loving, personal, involved God can ultimately fill the existential needs of those who think deeply about life without distracting themselves. OCD sufferers aren’t capable of distracting themselves, and that’s why they have been able to distill faith down to the most essential truths that have stood the test of time.
Only a loving, personal, involved God can ultimately fill the existential needs of those who think deeply about life without distracting themselves. OCD sufferers aren’t capable of distracting themselves, and that’s why they have been able to distill faith down to the most essential truths that have stood the test of time.
December 7, 2009
Excellent book. It gives proof of how belief in God and the power of Jesus' crucifixion is enough to be able to loosen the chokehold that OCD has on the sufferer. It also offers evidence (and thus comfort) of other famous Christians who have suffered with this and how they were able to overcome it. Two of note are Martin Luther, father of the Protestant Reformation, and John Bunyan. I highly recommend this book to any Christian who is suffering from OCD, whether it's scrupulocity or secular.
March 15, 2016
This book is aimed mostly for Christians suffering scrupulosity (comprising a part or the whole of their OCD condition). They will find this book comforting to know that they do not suffer this burden alone and that many, including spiritual giants did have this condition. This book also has tools and approaches on how they could deal with it effectively.
July 13, 2019
This book gave me a much better understanding of what OCD is and whether or not I have it, and ways that a new perspective gave historical Christians victory over their struggle. The pattern they found can be helpful for anyone who struggles with anxiety, whether or not it is OCD.
January 26, 2022
My only complaint is the title of this book, which I feel could be misleading. It is a fantastic examination of Christians throughout the ages who clearly suffered from OCD and how God met them and worked powerfully in their lives. Tremendously encouraging, I wish I had read it ages and ages ago.
September 5, 2022
I read this because I somehow stumbled across it while researching the concept of "scrupulosity." I do not have a diagnosis of OCD, but I think the stuff in this book can be thought-provoking for anyone who has ever experienced intrusive, accusatory, "Anfechtung"-esque, or otherwise obsessive thoughts regardless. His theological points are not always as sharp as I would prefer, and the pacing is a bit weird, but I felt his comparative look at Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Therese of Lisieux's experiences and theological breakthroughs was nevertheless intriguing. The practical advice is a good starting place to build a more personalized approach.
January 28, 2025
This is a tremendous book for believers who wrestle with doubt. Dr. Osborn does a masterful job of presenting the lives of three heroes of the faith as case studies for how OCD can manifest in the lives of genuine believers and how a matured understanding of Christianity can alleviate the fears that a inadequate knowledge of Scripture can foster.
December 9, 2024
I don't love the title of this book, but five stars for the book itself. Highly recommend if you have or know someone who has OCD, or honestly just if you're a Christian who wants to learn more about some heroes of the faith, mental health, and trust in God.
September 19, 2019
One of my favorite books about dealing with OCD. I especially encourage believers to try the "Therapy of Trust" if dealing with OCD.
May 5, 2020
A good combination of medical, historical, and theological insights.
August 27, 2021
This book is seriously helpful
January 19, 2022
Extremely helpful perspective for OCD sufferers with religious themes.
August 20, 2023
This book helped me tremendously. It helped me see my ocd from a different perspective. It helped me see the blessing in it.
September 11, 2023
This book is really good. And I would recommend it. However, I read it over such a long period of time that it's hard to write a good review. 👍
May 30, 2012
I was given this book by someone who had ordered several copies for relatives that deal with this disorder. While I often joke about being "OCD," I realized after reading this that OCD isn't really just being a neat-freak, which is what I am. Rather, it's a mental preoccupation with certain fears and thoughts that become obesessions, which then feed obsessive habits that interfere with leading a normal life. (For instance, someone might become preoccupied with the fear that they might accidentally leave the stove on and burn their house down, so they repeatedly check the stove to make sure it's not on, etc.)
The book discusses the lives of three famous historical/religious figures (Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Therese Martin [a Catholic Saint]) and how some of their accounts may indicate they suffered from this disorder. Their obsessions and fears were religious in nature (Am I really repentant of my sins? Am I really saved? Have I confessed everything I've ever done? etc.). They each came individually to the same conclusion: the responsibility for these fears, which were paralyzing at times, must be transferred to God. Their solution was simply to place the fears and doubts in God's hands and rely on Him to take care of them.
Overall, the book was interesting and encouraging. It was refreshing to see a psychologist recommending a spiritual solution to the problem, rather than just simply recommending drug therapy.
The book discusses the lives of three famous historical/religious figures (Martin Luther, John Bunyan, and Therese Martin [a Catholic Saint]) and how some of their accounts may indicate they suffered from this disorder. Their obsessions and fears were religious in nature (Am I really repentant of my sins? Am I really saved? Have I confessed everything I've ever done? etc.). They each came individually to the same conclusion: the responsibility for these fears, which were paralyzing at times, must be transferred to God. Their solution was simply to place the fears and doubts in God's hands and rely on Him to take care of them.
Overall, the book was interesting and encouraging. It was refreshing to see a psychologist recommending a spiritual solution to the problem, rather than just simply recommending drug therapy.
April 11, 2014
Looks at how Luther, Bunyan and Therese of Lisieux handled what was probably OCD in their own lives and discerns a common method of "treatment" between all three of them. Theoretically, this book would be an excellent tool for OCD sufferers.
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