Scrupulosity is often misunderstood as a faith problem — but treating it that way is one of the biggest reasons people stay stuck.
In this episode of The Restored Minds Show, licensed therapist Matt Codde, LCSW explains why scrupulosity isn’t about faith, belief, or not trying hard enough — and how fear hijacks religious themes and projects onto God, salvation, and belief systems.
If you’ve been told to pray harder, believe more, or do more religious behaviors — yet still feel anxious, distressed, or disconnected from peace — this episode will help you understand what’s really happening and what actually leads to recovery.
Rather than trying to solve scrupulosity through faith-based reassurance, Matt explains why healing comes from addressing the fear loop and nervous system state, not the content of the fear itself.
🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
✅ Why scrupulosity is driven by fear — not a lack of faith
✅ How fear projects onto God, religion, and belief systems
✅ Why peace (not effort or certainty) is the real marker of trust
✅ How religious compulsions accidentally reinforce the fear loop
✅ The difference between faith as trust vs faith as fear management
✅ What actually allows scrupulosity to release and resolve
This episode is for anyone struggling with religious OCD, spiritual anxiety, or scrupulosity — and for those who feel trapped between faith and fear.
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⏱️ Timestamps
00:00 – Peace vs happiness: the real measure of faith
00:56 – Why religious effort often comes from fear
01:06 – Why scrupulosity is not about faith
02:16 – Scrupulosity across Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism
03:02 – The mirage analogy: chasing certainty in the desert
04:09 – “If God is the cause… why don’t you feel peace?”
05:51 – Why content-based fears can’t be solved at the content level
06:29 – Scrupulosity as endless chasing, not lack of devotion
07:26 – Why peace is the byproduct of genuine faith
08:58 – You’re not failing or lacking faith
09:42 – Final encouragement & next steps
⚠️ Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical or psychological advice. Please consult a licensed professional for personalized care.