I’ve been super tempted to go to my pastor and ask him if my religious fear is true. I’ve already done year’s worth of research and reassurance seeking from friends and family members. I’ve gotten mixed answers (confirming the truth of the fear, and denying that it is true). Do you guys think I should refrain from asking the pastor?
I’m a Christian with OCD, and all I can say is that the devil will do anything to try and separate you from God. And OCD is a great advantage for the devil to try and do that! But you’ve got to remember who you are in Christ, that you are a child of God and treasured and known. And Jesus protects you and watches over you. Rather than straight up asking your pastor the question, explain the whole thing so there is some understanding and support in not growing the OCD while also helping you with your faith journey :)
Molly makes a good point about giving some context. I, too, am a Christian, as well as a pastor. I have done my share of seeking assurance (e.g., Is this OK? Did I do or say or think something wrong? etc.). Having wrestled with my own religious OCD, it gives me a helpful and compassionate perspective for others also struggling in this area. Anyway, knowing that it is OCD related--assuming your pastor has some sense of how OCD works--could be very helpful. Are you struggling with whether it is truly OCD or not? Which, of course, can also be OCD!
@Anonymous Well, it’s tough because I really don’t want to seek reassurance here lol but my obsession is about my choice not to have children. It’s a huge umbrella issue, but the religious aspect is me going against God’s plan for creation. He commands to be fruitful and multiply, and then I’ve been told procreation is His plan and what He wants from married couples. I’m married and do not desire to have children. My husband does, and he’s told me these things and that something is wrong with me not wanting them. So I guess I wanted to ask the pastor if I truly am going against what God wants. New Testament is all about us being free in Christ, so then I remember that, but then I know God is still the same? Rabbit hole I know.
I can recommend Mark deJesus on you tube regarding these kind of thoughts! He has a lot of good teaching.
@Estrid Thank you I will look him up!!!
@K-M 👍
@Estrid It's not specific about giving birth/having kids, but it's about being a christian and having trouble with different obsessions.
@Estrid Mark DeJesus is so helpful!! He has super great videos, thanks for sharing!
@Estrid What exactly is it you mean by that? Just to clarify-I remember seeing a meme about OCD and the idea of it was like “it’s not about the…(whatever your obsession is). Like basically it really isn’t about what we’re obsessing over, OCD just latches on to different obsessions for people uniquely. Is that what you mean?
@K-M Oh, sorry I was unclear (English isn't my native language) my comment referred to Mark DeJesus and the content on his you tube channel😊, search for Mark deJesus OCD and you will find it.
What has helped me Big time Is having a small group of Christian brothers. We have small groups and are constantly in touch With each other That for me has worked better than having a one to one with a pastor. Not that there’s anything wrong with that But having a small group of Christian brothers really helps
@Anonymous I can imagine how helpful that could be!! I really desire that! I’ve prayed that God will bring me some Christian women to befriend. I don’t really have many friends. I feel like I’ve kind of guarded myself from people for a long time, but I would really love to have at least one Christian best friend/sister.
@K-M, I can see why this is a rabbit hole for you. Personal, spiritual, relational all wrapped up in one! If you trust your pastor, he might be helpful in helping you and your husband process this together and come to a healthy conclusion. I don't think this is a salvation issue, but it is an issue that can put a heavy strain on your marriage and mental health, as well as your spiritual health.
@Anonymous It really is. Our worst fights have been about this, and when the religious aspect comes in it causes me great fear. I take my relationship with God really seriously, so it definitely puts a strain on it. I know God knows and He cares. I get fearful He’ll make me have a child anyway, which is totally against His character, but OCD definitely plays a role in telling me that.
I would highly suggest taking to a trusted Pastor or a mature Christian friend. I believe this doesn’t affect your salvation & that God loves you unconditionally & always will be there for you. 🙏❤️
You’re very correct, Estrid! As a pastor, I know most of my friends have no clue how OCD works.
And you are a real gift I think with your knowledge. I have worked in a church with counceling and I know there are so many affected of this disorder.
Well, this could actually be answered by non-Christians also. Just thought it’s kind of tricky since I want to know the truth of God’s word but it’s also an OCD obsession etc. I hope I did not offend any of my OCD brothers and sisters!
The problems with many pastors is that few of them know OCD and it can cause more of ruminating and worry if they not understand the OCD pattern.
Religious OCD trigger warning, mostly about Christianity : My religious OCD is rampant today. I keep having thoughts like: am I really saved? Do I have any fruit in my life? Do I really believe I’m a sinner? Does questioning this mean I’m really not saved? The pastor said you have to know for sure, but what if I don’t? My biggest problem is that I work in ministry so I’m feeling like a big fraud today. The Bible and all pastors say I should have assurance on salvation, but not with OCD. I’m always terrified that I’ll be one of those people who serves in ministry for years and then realizes they were never saved. I used to pray for salvation every day and I really mean it, but then I question it. It is so hard
Is this reassurance or research? So as a Christian I try to do what pleases God but I have OCD and it gots my vision so sometimes I want to look up stuff like for instance as a Christian should I make art or spend my time on something else like ministering to the homeless. If I looked up peoples opinions would that be seeking reassurance?
Hi guys, I just wanted to see if other people have ever gone through what I’m going through (most likely yes). Last year I had trauma from my church. I had my beliefs in check before the accident I was forming my own opinions and interpretations and values with my religion (Christianity) and then the incident happened. Ever since I have been deconstructing severely. I’m constantly having mental breakdowns over is Jesus really love, what does it even mean to be kind like Him when he sends people to h*ll over their sexuality or different religion, is he punishing me because I’m not following his will correctly or wanting to believe the Bible fully, is my wonderful loving and amazing husband spiritually right for me, every time I interact with my LGBTQ+ friends why does my mind say they are wrong, is my internal dialogue the voice of the Holy Spirit, uncertainty doesn’t apply to me, is the dev*l making me think these things etc. I would love to hear if anyone has had a similar experience. And note please do not tell me to pray about it and so on.
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