For some people of faith, like Colts tackle Braden Smith, religious scrupulosity an OCD disorder that disrupts their lives

Religious scrupulosity — that’s something I had never heard about until I read a story about Indianapolis Colts offensive tackle Braden Smith and his struggle with it.

Religious scrupulosity is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder associated with faith. In particular, it causes those suffering from it to worry about committing sins that will cause God to punish them and send them to hell.

“It’s like every wrong move you make, it’s like smacking (a) ruler against (your) hand,” Smith said of the condemning and judgmental God that loomed large in his mind. “Another bad move like that and you’re out of here.”

Read more about this disorder that afflicts some people of faith, together with comments from a Winnipeg psychologist who has treated people with religious scrupulosity, in my recent Free Press column.