Literature discussion in school aggravating my scruples: what do I do?

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LoveGod102

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I have OCD/scrupulosity and anxiety issues. When we the discussed Screwtape letters today, and I saw the quote on the screen at the end, my OCD/scrupulosity started acted up. I’m afraid that if I keep hearing about it in class for the next few weeks, that I’ll have an OCD attack every time, seeing the devil behind every corner. From personal experience, I know that that could happen. I’m not sure what to do about it, because missing three weeks of class wouldn’t be good. I won’t be getting homework on the book, but I’m supposed to discuss it in class. Any suggestions on what to do? I did email my teacher letting her know of the situation, and I’ll see what she says. Please pray for me as well.
 
Windmill said:
What was the quote, and how did it upset your scruples?
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Something about how Satan will try to distract you from good things, if he can’t get you to do wrong. Then I started to worry that when I read or do other things to distract from my irrational anxiety that I was giving in to Satan.
 
I don’t know if this will be of any help since everybody’s scruples are different, but TSL is really such excellent satire against the devil and for Jesus Christ that I hope for you at some point you’ll be able to feel inspired by it. 🙂

Would it help any to focus on the cleverness of Lewis’s literary skill, and on the fact that he wrote it with the purpose in mind of helping Christians become better Christians? In other words, kind of try telling your scruple voice "I’m not listening to any of your blather; this is a cool book that will enrich me spiritually, and I want to enjoy it, so just shut up!" :pshaw:

If this doesn’t feel like the right advice for you, disregard it without a second thought. Scruples can be a pain. But I survived mine, and so have many others. It will get better. Hang in there. :blessyou:
 
3DOCTORS said:
I don’t know if this will be of any help since everybody’s scruples are different, but TSL is really such excellent satire against the devil and for Jesus Christ that I hope for you at some point you’ll be able to feel inspired by it. 🙂

Would it help any to focus on the cleverness of Lewis’s literary skill, and on the fact that he wrote it with the purpose in mind of helping Christians become better Christians? In other words, kind of try telling your scruple voice "I’m not listening to any of your blather; this is a cool book that will enrich me spiritually, and I want to enjoy it, so just shut up!" :pshaw:

If this doesn’t feel like the right advice for you, disregard it without a second thought. Scruples can be a pain. But I survived mine, and so have many others. It will get better. Hang in there. :blessyou:
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Probably not, but thanks, I appreciate it. For me, what works best, is to accept the irrational thoughts and feelings (but not fight them or give into them), acknowledge that they aren’t from God, and offer them to Him.
I know how to handle them when they come, the issue is that I don’t want to bring them on in the first place if I can help it, especially knowing that they might take a long time to go away.
Frankly though, my scruples are way better than they used to be. I know how to handle them now, and recognize that they are irrational and not from God, and this makes a world of difference. They are however, still far from pleasant and I’d like to avoid them if possible.
 
1ke said:
Talk to your parents and your therapist.
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I did talk to my parents but I don’t have a therapist. My parents aren’t sure what to do. I talk to a psychiatrist but I don’t know when my dad will make another appointment with him.
 
Have a “regular confessor” to direct you --such is the age old practice in terms of scruples.
 
I was a literature major and read many things that disturbed me as a Christian; however, I just kept telling myself that those were just somebody else’s words on paper, and that I didn’t have to think like them or believe anything they said. I did, however, have to critique their works either positively or negatively. I chose to act upon my Christian morals and ethics, my own Christian beliefs and convictions, to render my view of the work as simply a piece of literature, not as an attack on me personally. I always did my research and centered my thesis on disproving the evil things that I read.

This applies to life in general as well. You are going to be confronted with people who are deviant and sinful all of the time. The fact that you are a Christian and avoid those people and their behaviors is proof that you are a good and faithful Christian.

When evil or hateful thoughts and images enter your mind, immediately throw them out by replacing them with soothing thoughts and images of beauty, purity, peace,and love. I like to think of the beach and ocean during a beautiful sunset. I hope this helps you.

God bless you!
 
LoveGod102 said:
Probably not, but thanks, I appreciate it. For me, what works best, is to accept the irrational thoughts and feelings (but not fight them or give into them), acknowledge that they aren’t from God, and offer them to Him.
I know how to handle them when they come, the issue is that I don’t want to bring them on in the first place if I can help it, especially knowing that they might take a long time to go away.
Frankly though, my scruples are way better than they used to be. I know how to handle them now, and recognize that they are irrational and not from God, and this makes a world of difference. They are however, still far from pleasant and I’d like to avoid them if possible.
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I very much understand. :yup: I battled scruples for a long time and at this point my OCD morphed more into panic attacks - and I know what you mean about those unwanted thoughts. I’m glad you have a way to handle them that is helpful. And I’m like you - it’s just tiring doing battle with them and I prefer to avoid that if possible too! :knight1::knight2: Takes it out of a person. :blackeye: :stretcher: God bless you!
 
When you feel a panic attack coming on, perhaps you can pick up your Bible and recite the 23rd Psalm.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I FEAR NO EVIL FOR THOU ART WITH ME…”

I tell my sons when they are afraid or angry or confused, to look to the right, look to the left, look up, and look down. I remind them that everywhere they look, Jesus is right there. He sits next to them. He walks with them. He is protecting them. Jesus walks with them wherever they go. He never leaves them.

Know this with all your heart, soul, and mind. Let your mind be still in the knowledge of Him, and of His infinite love for you. If He takes care of the smallest sparrow, imagine what he does for you, His child.

May God bless you and keep you in His loving and protective arms today and all the rest of your life, and throughout eternity.

With all my love as your sister in Christ!
 
LoveGod102 said:
I have OCD/scrupulosity and anxiety issues. When we the discussed Screwtape letters today, and I saw the quote on the screen at the end, my OCD/scrupulosity started acted up. I’m afraid that if I keep hearing about it in class for the next few weeks, that I’ll have an OCD attack every time, seeing the devil behind every corner. From personal experience, I know that that could happen. I’m not sure what to do about it, because missing three weeks of class wouldn’t be good. I won’t be getting homework on the book, but I’m supposed to discuss it in class. Any suggestions on what to do? I did email my teacher letting her know of the situation, and I’ll see what she says. Please pray for me as well.
Click to expand...
Do you have a regular confessor? Do as he says.
 
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