Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: The way I think influences my behavior, and if my thinking leads to destructive actions, certain tools can be useful for transformation. This is the fundamental principle of much of modern mental health treatment. As the American Psychological Association (APA) notes:
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) is based on a few core ideas:
- Psychological issues are often fueled by unhelpful or faulty ways of thinking.
- They’re also reinforced by learned patterns of negative behavior.
- With the right approach, people can learn better coping skills, alleviating symptoms and living more effectively.
Yet, there’s nothing particularly “modern” about this concept. Today, we’ve distilled and packaged it into worksheets and structured therapy, but this concept is as ancient as humanity itself. For thousands of years, humans have grappled with the same internal struggles, recognizing that real peace lies not just in altering thoughts but in addressing the deeper spiritual battles within. CBT can help align our thoughts, but it falls short of tackling the full picture—there’s a deeper, spiritual struggle here. It’s not just about wrestling with oneself; it’s a battle against something greater, something darker. Something that is real and tangible. We are truly dancing with the devil.
The Spiritual Battle
One classic text on this internal war is The Path to Salvation by Saint Theophan the Recluse. Saint Theophan sugarcoats nothing. His words are honest, even frightening, yet ultimately hopeful. Courageously confronting the truth always brings hope.
“This is the law: abandon everything that is dangerous to the new life, whatever ignites passions, brings vanity, and extinguishes the spirit.”
“The thought that you could live like a Christian while holding on to the world and worldliness is an empty, deluded thought. Whoever lives by this thought will never learn anything more than pharisaism and imaginary life.”
There’s a lot to unpack in those words. Faith offers us new life, a transformed existence. But are we ready to accept it? Or will we cling to the world and hedge our bets? One foot in the world, the other foot in “faith”.
And then, there are the words of Christ Himself:
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one.” – John 17:13-15
Yes, the evil one. Evil isn’t just an idea—it’s a person. Saint Theophan warns us:
“Beware! The enemy will be trying to tempt you in every way, to put your soul in a bad mood, to either scatter your thoughts, or generate some worry or dissatisfaction with something, or inspire some displeasure against someone. Attend to yourself, praying to God, and you will escape these stumbling blocks.”
Your first step is honesty, think of it as a form of repentance. This means not only examining our actions but looking courageously at our thoughts. It’s a fight you don’t have to face alone; warriors have fought it long before us. Let St. Theophan’s wisdom remind us: true repentance brings weeping over our sins and condition. These tear are truly a gift. One wrapped in mystery.
Tools for the Journey
In this battle, our tools are both spiritual and physical:
- Spiritually – We focus on the mind, heart, and will. Scripture, prayer, submission to family and church, and attendance at holy services fuel genuine transformation.
- Bodily – Guarding our senses (what we watch, hear, and allow into our thoughts and heart), fasting, vigilant speech, meaningful work, sleep, and bodily purity all guide us away from vanity, gluttony, and pride.
Simple? Yes. Easy? Not really.
Start with small steps that cultivate vigilance and remind you of the battle we’re in. Consider how your thoughts determine your actions, and ultimately your life. Find a solid spiritual advisor, a church home, and dive into the Church Fathers. They fought this war long before us and left us guidance into this battle for our souls.
Much love to you and those you love. This fight is worth it for you, and for them.
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