In this section I’ve collected different resources that are specifically aimed at the religiously compulsive individual. It would also be helpful to check out the resources I have provided (a different set of resources) under General OCD.
CHRISTIAN BOOKS:
- Rutland, Mark. Streams of Mercy: Receiving and Reflecting God’s Grace. Vine Books, 1999. This was a breakthrough book for me. It revealed God’s grace in a power and moving way. I don’t know much about Rutland other than that this work was amazingly powerful.
- Osborn, Ian. Can Christianity Cure Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?: A Psychiatrist Explores the Role of Faith in Treatment. Brazos Press, 2008. This is one of the most important books I have ever read. Osborn treats on OCD generally, but mainly and specifically upon scrupulosity. As a psychiatrist he provides a unique balance and insight into the medical and faith oriented aspects of scrupulosity. I can’t recommend this volume enough – go get it now!
- Eldredge, John. The Journey of Desire: Searching for the Life We’ve Only Dreamed of. Thomas Nelson, 2001. Eldredge talks about the way God made us and the desires he gave us. He helps redeem our humanity, helping us to understand and validate our appropriate desires.
- Lucado, Max. In the Grip of Grace. Word Publishing, 2005. Lucado takes a descriptive look at the nature of grace, focusing especially on its portrayal throughout the Epistle to the Romans. For those struggling in their relationship with God, this is a must read. Also, a good introductory primer to many core beliefs of the Christian faith.
- Piper, John. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Multnomah Books, 2003. A classic theology of the Christian life. John Piper is one of the most profound and erudite thinkers of our time. In this volume he offers a compelling theology that desiring God is a hedonistic pursuit and should be viewed as such.
- Lucado, Max. Grace for the Moment: Inspirational Thoughts for Each Day of the Year. J. Countryman, 2000. A small devotional book that focuses on various aspects of God’s grace towards us as pulled from Lucado’s numerous books.
- Jacobsen, Wayne. He Loves Me! Learning to Live in the Father’s Affection. Windblown Media, 2007. An amazing and easy read that meditates upon the character of God’s love for us.
MOVIES:
- Luther. PG-13. MGM, 2004. An amazing, high-quality film that tells the life of Protestant Reformer Martin Luther. Amazingly powerful in its portrayal of Luther’s own struggles with what seems to be religious scrupulosity and the eventual freedom he finds in the grace of God.
Websites:
- The Scrupe Group. This is one of the essential websites for anyone suffering from scrupulosity. It is a well established Yahoo! Group where one can share and be encouraged by others who are struggling with scrupulosity.
- Liguori Publications. Scrupulous Anonymous. A Catholic ministry which includes a monthly newsletter that ministers to those suffering with scrupulosity. This is one of the most helpful resources available – to Protestants and Catholics. All of the newsletters are available and archived online for free.
- Delany, Joseph F., tr. Douglas J. Potter. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIII. “Scruple.” 1912. A fascinating article which shows the depths with which Catholicism has both experienced and reflected upon scrupulosity.
- Watkins, Carol E. Scrupulosity: Religious Obsessions and Compulsions. Baltimore, MD: Northern County Psychiatric Associates, 2004.- Dr. Watkins focuses in this article on scrupulosity, a manifestation of OCD common amongst religious adherents.
- Santa, Thomas M. Ten Commandments for the Scrupulous. Liguori Publications. Santa (C.SS.R) compiles not only his own thoughts but also the work of Father Don Miller (C.SS.R.), Father Dan Lowery, and Father Pat Kaler on ten commandments for individuals suffering from scrupulosity. A very readable list for those suffering from scrupulosity, especially those from a Catholic background.