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Many people at one time or another struggle with faith issues about sin, guilt, and punishment. Some, particularly Catholics, so fear offending God that they are unable to participate in daily life without experiencing severe doubt and anxiety. They do not see their faith as a source of peace; rather, their faith causes them to second-guess every decision they make. These people have scrupulosity, sometimes called the “doubting disease.”
Based on more than a half-century of questions and answers published in the Scrupulous Anonymous newsletter, Understanding Scrupulosity: Relief and Encouragement addresses concerns related to sin, thoughts, dreams, fantasies, and sexuality, as well as confession, self-worth, prayer, and God’s grace.
This fourth edition reflects the pastoral insight of Rev. Thomas M. Santa, CSsR, developed over many years serving as priest/editor of the Scrupulous Anonymous newsletter, as well as advances made by researchers in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Many Redemptorists believe the founder of their order, St. Alphonsus Liguori, struggled with scrupulosity. Because of this, the Redemptorists have a special charism to help those who suffer with the affliction.
Rev. Thomas M. Santa, CSsR, the priest director of the Scrupulous Anonymous newsletter, has ministered to people with scrupulosity for more than twenty years. He is an associate faculty member and former director of the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, Arizona. He has also served as pastor of St. Michael Parish in Old Town, Chicago, and as President/Publisher of Liguori Publications.
Rev. Santa is the author of many books, pamphlets, and newsletters, including all three editions of Understanding Scrupulosity and The Essential Bible Handbook. He offers retreats for people with scrupulosity and workshops on scrupulosity for pastoral ministers and professional therapists.
