Obsessions from the past: a study of the chapter on "blasphemous thoughts" in "The Ladder of Divine Ascent" (7th century AD)

Abstract

In this study, we examine the similarities and the differences between obsessions and the phenomena described in religious language as "blasphemous thoughts". The basis of our study is an ascetic text of the 7th century AD, entitled "The Ladder of Divine Ascent", written by Saint John Climacus (ca. 579-649), abbot of St. Catherine Monastery, Sinai. The book is considered to be one of the fundamental sources of monastic literature, which has influenced Christian anthropology. Research on the "Ladder" gives an insight in where the religious and the psychiatric pathogenic, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches converge or diverge. In addition to the scientific value, the data derived from the research could be useful to the therapist, especially when he/she copes with religious patients, in order to acquire a better empathy and thus lesser the patient's resistance toward therapy.

Keywords: Blasphemous thoughts; OCD; Obsessions; Obsessive–compulsive disorder; Religion.