Uploaded June 2025 | Updated September 2026, 52 minutes ago
Latter-day Saint Anxiety Expert: Why Church Members Still Feel Unworthy | Dr. Kawika Allen E0036
Many faithful Saints silently wrestle with the same question: “Why do I still feel broken?” In this powerful episode, Dr. Kawika Allen unpacks the hidden spiritual struggle of scrupulosity—anxiety disguised as righteousness—and how it convinces even the most devoted disciples that they’re never enough.
What if the reason you feel unworthy isn’t because you’ve failed, but because you’ve been trying to earn what was never meant to be earned?
We explore the toxic grip of maladaptive perfectionism, the lies it tells, and the liberating truth that Christ’s grace meets us in our mess—not after we’ve cleaned it up.
If faith has started to feel more like a burden than a blessing, this conversation will help you rediscover the rest and relief that comes from receiving, not performing for, the Savior’s love.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:02 Why Do The Most Faithful People Feel Broken?
00:03:10 How/Why Has “Be Ye Therefore Perfect” Been Misunderstood and Weaponized?
00:06:51 What Is Scrupulosity?
00:16:37 Misconceptions That Exacerbate Scrupulosity
00:23:05 What Are Scrupulous People Yearning For?
00:26:59 What Role Does The Spirit Play?
00:29:50 The Brain Chemistry
00:31:37 Why Does This Topic Matter to Dr. Allen?
00:40:31 What Happens If We Don’t Figure This Out?
00:47:29 The Mental Health Connection
00:50:03 How Christ Can Draw Us Out of Unhealthy Habits
00:54:42 What Does Scrupulosity Look Like In Our Loved Ones?
00:59:40 Are We Loved When We’re Sinning?
01:04:32 Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Perfectionism
01:09:15 How Can We Gently Encourage Loved Ones To Make Changes?
01:13:41 Final Thoughts
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Get help answering some of life's most challenging questions with Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones. This @scripturecentralofficial original series offers practical insights and ways to navigate life's challenges and heaviest questions.
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🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for Let's Get Real to explore life's toughest questions and strengthen your connection with God.
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Disclaimer:
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CREATORS AND GUESTS ALONE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF SCRIPTURE CENTRAL OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
Latter-day Saint Anxiety Expert: Why Church Members Still Feel Unworthy | Dr. Kawika Allen E0036
Many faithful Saints silently wrestle with the same question: “Why do I still feel broken?” In this powerful episode, Dr. Kawika Allen unpacks the hidden spiritual struggle of scrupulosity—anxiety disguised as righteousness—and how it convinces even the most devoted disciples that they’re never enough.
What if the reason you feel unworthy isn’t because you’ve failed, but because you’ve been trying to earn what was never meant to be earned?
We explore the toxic grip of maladaptive perfectionism, the lies it tells, and the liberating truth that Christ’s grace meets us in our mess—not after we’ve cleaned it up.
If faith has started to feel more like a burden than a blessing, this conversation will help you rediscover the rest and relief that comes from receiving, not performing for, the Savior’s love.
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:02 Why Do The Most Faithful People Feel Broken?
00:03:10 How/Why Has “Be Ye Therefore Perfect” Been Misunderstood and Weaponized?
00:06:51 What Is Scrupulosity?
00:16:37 Misconceptions That Exacerbate Scrupulosity
00:23:05 What Are Scrupulous People Yearning For?
00:26:59 What Role Does The Spirit Play?
00:29:50 The Brain Chemistry
00:31:37 Why Does This Topic Matter to Dr. Allen?
00:40:31 What Happens If We Don’t Figure This Out?
00:47:29 The Mental Health Connection
00:50:03 How Christ Can Draw Us Out of Unhealthy Habits
00:54:42 What Does Scrupulosity Look Like In Our Loved Ones?
00:59:40 Are We Loved When We’re Sinning?
01:04:32 Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Perfectionism
01:09:15 How Can We Gently Encourage Loved Ones To Make Changes?
01:13:41 Final Thoughts
--
Get help answering some of life's most challenging questions with Let’s Get Real with Stephen Jones. This @scripturecentralofficial original series offers practical insights and ways to navigate life's challenges and heaviest questions.
--
🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications for Let's Get Real to explore life's toughest questions and strengthen your connection with God.
---
Disclaimer:
THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CREATORS AND GUESTS ALONE AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENT THE OFFICIAL POSITION OF SCRIPTURE CENTRAL OR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS.
