Series Introduction: Faith, Doubt, and OCD — Scrupulosity Across Traditions
Religious traditions are meant to offer connection, purpose, and hope. But for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), religious beliefs can sometimes become a source of fear instead. When OCD becomes entangled with questions of morality, purity, or devotion, it can take the form of scrupulosity — a pattern of obsessive doubt and compulsive attempts to find spiritual certainty. Outwardly, scrupulosity may resemble devotion. Inwardly, it is often driven by fear, shame, and uncertainty.
Across religious traditions, OCD often attaches to deeply held values, transforming meaningful practices into sources of doubt. Yet within these same traditions are also resources for healing — teachings about compassion, trust, uncertainty, and community that can support recovery alongside evidence-based treatment.
This five-part series explores scrupulosity through different lenses:
Understanding Scrupulosity — an overview of what it is and why it emerges.
Judaism — how OCD interacts with halacha (Jewish law), prayer, and the Jewish concept of emunah (faith).
Christianity — fears of sin and salvation, and how guilt and confession become distorted.
Islam — purity, prayer, and identity, alongside an Islamic heritage of care.
Treatment and Hope — evidence-based therapy, faith-informed support, and stories of resilience.
Together, the articles in this series examine the challenges of scrupulosity while highlighting ways individuals can pursue healing without feeling forced to abandon their religious identity.
Series written by: Abby Shapiro
Scrupulosity Blog Series - The following sources informed the content of the Scrupulosity Blog and provide additional context on OCD, scrupulosity, and evidence-based treatment approaches. See HERE.