Here are some examples of Religious Trauma:

Spiritual abuse: This occurs when a religious leader(s) or religious system tries to control, manipulate, and degrade you. 

Sexual and physical abuse

Emotional abuse

Being told you are sinful and going to hell

Experiencing shame or being told you’re not worthy of love due to your thoughts or beliefs

Fear of expressing yourself or sharing your thoughts

Forced to follow your communities rules and expectations 

Marginalization due to your gender or sexuality

The use of scripture to justify abuse or injustice

Not feeling free to leave your faith

A final example of religious trauma includes involvement in a cult. 


If you suspect you are in a cult, or you have a loved one in a cult, here are a few questions you can consider:

Do you sense that you’re in danger? Possibly physical danger? Or danger of slander and/or a destroyed reputation?

Are you being forced to pay money to obtain spiritual enlightenment? Is there information that causes you to advance in your spirituality that is not publicly or freely available?

Are you being shamed or punished for questioning beliefs or having different opinions?

Are you permitted to think for yourself and contribute to ideas? Or are there only a few chosen individuals who hold the power and information you need to become enlightened?

Are you being ranked? Are you being told that you are less valuable than another person for various reasons around the belief system?

Is diversity accepted? Diversity of identity, thought, or opinion?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may consider talking to somebody about your situation. It may not be safe to immediately leave a cult, so if you or a loved one is in this situation please do not make a hasty decision. Consult with a local professional who can help you strategize an exit.

References:

https://languages.oup.com/google-dictionary-en/

https://www.verywellmind.com/common-symptoms-after-a-traumatic-event-2797496

https://www.restorationcounselingseattle.com/religious-trauma-transitions

https://www.apricitybehavioralhealth.com/religious-trauma

https://www.loc.gov/resource/sn84026749/1922-04-15/ed-1/?sp=1&r=0.329,0.329,1.291,0.494,0

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