Morbid fascination with psychopaths: A threat to my spiritual life?

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Rosarydevotion

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Hi everyone,

Lately I’ve been on a spree of learning all that I can about psychopaths. What spurred this on was a recent encounter with a neighbor who I believe has psychopathic tendencies and I had to get him out of my life as I felt he was preying on me. The whole experience shook me up and I realized that I have been far to trusting of people.

Ever since this neighbor incident I had to reevaluate my life and I realized that I have been attracting narcissistic, sadistic, and psychopathic people all my life. Both as friends as well as boyfriends. So I started to research all about these sorts of people and seem to have found a sort of thirst for knowledge about them.

I just tore through a book about the Scott Peterson case and now I’m onto the Ted Bundy case. All of it is very gruesome and yet I cant seem to stop reading about it.

My question is, do you think this is morally wrong somehow? Do you think there is anything sinful in my exploration? Can this new morbid curiosity be a hindrance to my spiritual life?

Thanks in advance.
 
It does not sound bad to me. Maybe if you have a real interest in the subject, you could go to school, seriously study the subject and then work as a therapist to counsel such people? I read Ann Rule’s book about Ted Bundy (she knew him!). These guys are out there and it wouldn’t hurt to know about them.
 
Catholic1954 said:
It does not sound bad to me. Maybe if you have a real interest in the subject, you could go to school, seriously study the subject and then work as a therapist to counsel such people? I read Ann Rule’s book about Ted Bundy (she knew him!). These guys are out there and it wouldn’t hurt to know about them.
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Thanks, I really want to read that book next. I think I’m really just exploring the fact that these people are out there and it never really ever crossed my mind to ever concern myself about it. And also the fascination of what makes them tic.
 
Rosarydevotion said:
Hi everyone,

Lately I’ve been on a spree of learning all that I can about psychopaths. What spurred this on was a recent encounter with a neighbor who I believe has psychopathic tendencies and I had to get him out of my life as I felt he was preying on me. The whole experience shook me up and I realized that I have been far to trusting of people.

Ever since this neighbor incident I had to reevaluate my life and I realized that I have been attracting narcissistic, sadistic, and psychopathic people all my life. Both as friends as well as boyfriends. So I started to research all about these sorts of people and seem to have found a sort of thirst for knowledge about them.

I just tore through a book about the Scott Peterson case and now I’m onto the Ted Bundy case. All of it is very gruesome and yet I cant seem to stop reading about it.

My question is, do you think this is morally wrong somehow? Do you think there is anything sinful in my exploration? Can this new morbid curiosity be a hindrance to my spiritual life?

Thanks in advance.
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I think a good rule is:

If you wouldn’t read it to the Mother of God, you should not be reading it.

If you wouldn’t do it in front of the Mother of God, you should not be doing it.

If you wouldn’t watch it with the Mother of God, you should not be watching it.

I don’t know if there is sin here. That depends on your heart. But I believe it is in fact a hindrance to your spiritual life, and to your growing in holiness and gaining merit with God.

Have you read St. Faustina’s Diary?
 
if your morbid fascination becomes an obsession then maybe it would
not be good for your spiritual life. do not let too much darkness in your life. educating yourself about psychopaths in order to protect yourself is one thing because this is a dangerous world and it is wise to learn how to be safe.
I wouldn’t become so absorbed that you are thinking about psychopaths 24 hours a day. let the light in.
 
I think you’re right. I can’t even think about theology 24 hours a day, and that’s something wonderful. I can think about God all day, but not in an academic setting. I think we need to set aside some time to get out in the fresh air and exercise, relax with a movie, take care of our body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

I would not want to be a psychologist or psychiatrist, but I’m glad they exist. If the OP has a real interest in psychopathology (I took it as an elective, it was interesting), then I see nothing wrong in her reading about psychopaths as long as she doesn’t let the darkness take over her life, as you have already stated. We need balance in life.
 
Many biographical accounts online of serial killers and other psychopaths concentrate on the gruesome aspects of the murders they committed. That’s probably not the best reading material, to be fair.
 
Isca said:
Many biographical accounts online of serial killers and other psychopaths concentrate on the gruesome aspects of the murders they committed. That’s probably not the best reading material, to be fair.
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I certainly agree if the OP is reading for entertainment. However if the OP wants to become a practicing psychologist and work with these people (actually, I doubt that many can be rehabilitated) then he or she needs to know those details. But for entertainment reading, I am in complete agreement with you.

I’m a PhD candidate in RC theology, so I spend a lot of time doing research, reading textbooks, “heavy” reading. I admit to being “addicted” to Elizabeth George’s “Inspector Lynley” novels. 😊 A murder always forms the center of the plot. However, there is no concentration on graphic or gruesome details. The concentration is usually on the relationship of Lynley to his friends and co-workers who appear in almost every book. Big difference. And, George only comes out with a new one about every two years. That is the only non-theological thing I read these days, which is fine with me.
 
Lily_Bernans said:
I certainly agree if the OP is reading for entertainment. However if the OP wants to become a practicing psychologist and work with these people (actually, I doubt that many can be rehabilitated) then he or she needs to know those details. But for entertainment reading, I am in complete agreement with you.

I’m a PhD candidate in RC theology, so I spend a lot of time doing research, reading textbooks, “heavy” reading. I admit to being “addicted” to Elizabeth George’s “Inspector Lynley” novels. 😊 A murder always forms the center of the plot. However, there is no concentration on graphic or gruesome details. The concentration is usually on the relationship of Lynley to his friends and co-workers who appear in almost every book. Big difference. And, George only comes out with a new one about every two years. That is the only non-theological thing I read these days, which is fine with me.
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👍
 
I believe this is mentioned in the Psalms … the good, the better, the perfect.
 
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