Too many people carry silent shame about intrusive thoughts—assuming that because an unsettling or taboo thought popped into their heads, it reflects a hidden, dark desire. It’s long been known that people throughout history have had unwanted, out-of-character thoughts, including Margery Kempe, Martin Luther, St. Ignatius of Loyola, and Winston Churchill.
But the reality: the thought is not the desire.
As I wrote on my Substack recently in the full article of the same name:
- Research shows over 90% of people endorse a wide range of intrusive thoughts, urges, and images.
- You can have any thought or feeling anywhere, any time, and for almost any reason.
- It doesn’t mean you’re struggling with addiction or trauma or even sin to have these experiences.
- Your intrusions don’t automatically reflect your character, and they definitely don’t diminish God’s love for you.
- A diverse range of unwanted thoughts exists in upstanding, integrity-filled leaders, pastors, executives, stay-at-home parents, counselors, men, and women.
This framework isn’t just for those with a clinical diagnosis; it is for anyone who has ever suffered through unwanted thoughts, feelings, or sensations. Let’s change the framework. You might be navigating a human affliction rather than a defect of character.
I hope you are encouraged by the full article. My Substack is an ongoing effort in thought leadership at the intersection of clinical mental health and faith, challenging the simplistic cultural and religious narratives that leave people feeling fundamentally broken.
Have mercy.
~Justin
Continue Reading & Resources:
🧾 Read the Full Article: To dive deeper into the history, clinical research, and theological context of this topic, read the complete piece, “The Thought Is Not The Desire” on Substack.
📰 Get Unstuck: Subscribe to the Practice Newsletter to receive free resources, clinical insights, and direct updates on my new book, The Christian’s Guide to Overcoming OCD, releasing this month.
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Thank you Justin. I grew up in a strict denomination growing up and had a lot of issues with having sexual images of women and still do and I can’t make them stop. The OCD says they are really my thoughts and God has abandoned me because of my persistent sin. What is frustrating about it is I don’t want them or do I, I don’t know. It is a natural thing for a man to have these thoughts but I make the mistake of trying to evaluate them and trying to convince myself they are not mine but it just seems that I am just evil. Your title is very encouraging. Thank you again.
Randy, thank you for sharing and letting others know they aren’t alone. I’m sorry for the challenges you’ve gone through, and I hope these resources connect you even more to both God’s love for you and freedom from the cycle of OCD!