
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


What happens when your church convinces you that your own memories, questions, and feelings can’t be trusted? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs unpack the dark art of religious gaslighting — how high-demand faiths twist reality, dismiss legitimate concerns, and make believers doubt themselves under the guise of “God’s will.” We’ll explore: What gaslighting is and how it got its name Five real-world examples from Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, and more How leaders rewrite history, dismiss evidence, and blame the victim The deep psychological harm caused when faith makes you distrust your own perception Practical tools and therapeutic insights for healing from religious gaslighting If you’ve ever been told “you’re misremembering” or “your doubts are from the adversary,” this conversation will hit home. And if you’re working through the trauma of spiritual manipulation, we’ll share concrete steps to reclaim your reality, rebuild trust in yourself, and move forward with clarity.
Support our work: If you find value in these conversations, consider donating:
Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2
Need support? If you’re dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at https://awakenandthrive.org/
Join our Religious Transition support group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle
By Brittney Hartley & Bill Reel4.8
115115 ratings
What happens when your church convinces you that your own memories, questions, and feelings can’t be trusted? In this episode of Almost Awakened, Bill Reel and Teresa Hobbs unpack the dark art of religious gaslighting — how high-demand faiths twist reality, dismiss legitimate concerns, and make believers doubt themselves under the guise of “God’s will.” We’ll explore: What gaslighting is and how it got its name Five real-world examples from Mormonism, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology, and more How leaders rewrite history, dismiss evidence, and blame the victim The deep psychological harm caused when faith makes you distrust your own perception Practical tools and therapeutic insights for healing from religious gaslighting If you’ve ever been told “you’re misremembering” or “your doubts are from the adversary,” this conversation will hit home. And if you’re working through the trauma of spiritual manipulation, we’ll share concrete steps to reclaim your reality, rebuild trust in yourself, and move forward with clarity.
Support our work: If you find value in these conversations, consider donating:
Almost Awakened: https://donorbox.org/almost-awakened-2
Need support? If you’re dealing with spiritual trauma, 1-on-1 coaching and support groups are available at https://awakenandthrive.org/
Join our Religious Transition support group – https://www.monarchintegrativecoaching.com/circle

780 Listeners

2,642 Listeners

5,571 Listeners

633 Listeners

327 Listeners

1,333 Listeners

45 Listeners

273 Listeners

164 Listeners

12 Listeners

1,040 Listeners

2,441 Listeners

340 Listeners

149 Listeners

858 Listeners

692 Listeners

514 Listeners

1,880 Listeners

1,457 Listeners

190 Listeners

718 Listeners