Faith vs. Fear: Differentiating Between Spirituality and Religious OCD
Faith is a central part of our identity as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It’s a source of guidance, purpose, and peace. But for some people with OCD, faith can become entangled with overwhelming anxiety, guilt, and compulsive behaviors that don’t feel peaceful or inspired at all.
If you're constantly worried about your worthiness, repeatedly confessing the same "sins," or avoiding spiritual practices out of fear that you're doing them wrong—you may be experiencing something more than just spiritual concern. These could be signs of religious OCD, also known as scrupulosity.
As a therapist who specializes in treating OCD in the Latter-day Saint community, I work with many young adults in Utah who find themselves stuck in a painful loop of doubt, self-monitoring, and fear disguised as faith. A common question I hear is:
“How do I know if it’s the Spirit prompting me—or just anxiety?”
Let’s explore that together.
What Is Religious OCD?
Religious OCD is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder in which a person becomes preoccupied with spiritual or moral correctness. Individuals with this form of OCD often experience intense fear around the idea of sinning, being unworthy, or disappointing God.
Common symptoms include:
Repeatedly confessing sins or seeking reassurance from church leaders
Obsessing over personal worthiness—especially regarding the sacrament, prayer, or temple attendance
Avoiding religious activities out of fear they won't be done "perfectly"
Mental checking or praying in a specific way to prevent something bad from happening
Intrusive thoughts that feel blasphemous or immoral, often followed by shame
Unlike genuine promptings or feelings of spiritual growth, these symptoms are not motivated by love or a desire to deepen one’s relationship with God. They are driven by fear, anxiety, and the need for certainty.
Faith vs. Fear: What’s the Difference?
Religious OCD can be confusing because the behaviors often look spiritual. You may read your scriptures every day, pray frequently, or attend church regularly—but still feel anxious, ashamed, or disconnected.
So how can you tell the difference between a healthy spiritual prompting and an OCD-driven fear?
Here are some helpful distinctions:
Faith
Motivated by love, trust, and connection
Leads to peace, flexibility, and growth
Makes room for imperfection and questions
Encourages sincere intent
Religious OCD
Motivated by fear, shame, and a need to "get it right"
Feels rigid, compulsive, and never enough
Demands certainty and punishes doubt
Focuses on exactness, repetition, or performance
For example, a spiritually motivated decision might feel grounded, even if it’s challenging. An OCD-driven one often feels urgent, like "If I don’t do this right now, something bad will happen."
Scrupulosity in the LDS Context
In the Latter-day Saint faith, where personal revelation, obedience, and worthiness are emphasized, scrupulosity can hide in plain sight.
You might hear yourself thinking:
“Did I really repent enough?”
“Maybe I shouldn’t take the sacrament this week, just in case.”
“I had an inappropriate thought during prayer—should I confess it?”
“What if I’m prompting myself, and not hearing the Spirit?”
These worries don’t make you unrighteous—they make you human. But when these thoughts start dominating your spiritual life, leaving you fearful, stuck, or disconnected from God, they may be OCD symptoms—not spiritual warnings.
Therapy That Supports Your Faith
The good news is that religious OCD is treatable, and therapy can help you reconnect with your faith from a place of peace, not panic.
The most effective approach is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—a research-backed therapy that helps individuals tolerate uncertainty, resist compulsions, and break free from obsessive patterns.
In therapy, we don’t ask you to give up your faith. Instead, we work together to:
Identify the line between meaningful spiritual practice and OCD-driven ritual
Build tolerance for uncertainty in areas like repentance, revelation, or worthiness
Reduce compulsive behaviors like repeated confessing or overanalyzing spiritual thoughts
Help you experience your relationship with God in a more trusting and peaceful way
ERP can be tailored to respect your beliefs and values—supporting your spiritual life, not replacing it.
You Are Not Alone
Religious OCD can feel incredibly isolating. It convinces you that you’re the only one struggling like this, or worse—that your spiritual shortcomings are to blame. But the truth is, this is a mental health condition, not a reflection of your worth or your faith.
If your relationship with God feels dominated by anxiety, fear, or a relentless pressure to be perfect, something deeper is likely going on. And there is help.
You don’t have to keep living in fear. You can learn to trust your faith again—from a place of clarity, confidence, and calm.
Ready to Take the First Step With Religious OCD Treatment In Provo, UT?
If you or someone you love is struggling with scrupulosity or religious OCD, you are not alone, and you don’t have to face it on your own.
I specialize in helping Latter-day Saints move from fear-driven anxiety to faith-filled living. Therapy can be a place where you feel safe, supported, and truly seen. To learn more about the support that Mountain Home Center for Religious and Moral OCD can offer, follow these steps:
Meet with a caring therapist
Take the first step toward healing, clarity, and spiritual peace.
Explore Personalized Therapy Services at Mountain Home Center
At Mountain Home Center, I provide more than just support for religious OCD. My evidence-based therapy services, including SPACE treatment, help individuals navigate a variety of challenges, including OCD-related struggles, anxiety disorders, and difficulties in relationships. I recognize the unique experiences of Latter-day Saints and others seeking faith-compatible care, offering a compassionate and tailored approach to treatment. Whether you or a loved one is managing scrupulosity, relationship OCD, or general anxiety, I am here to support you in finding balance and peace. My goal is to help you achieve lasting mental well-being while honoring your values and spiritual foundation.
