Speaker Mike Johnson ??

[pat_k]

55. Tragically, in some churches, I fear a form of religious abuse is also at work.

While I tend to be wary of AI, here's Gemini's response to "Religious trauma syndrome (RTS) in the evangelical mega churches"

AI Overview
Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is a collection of symptoms and challenges experienced by individuals struggling to leave or recover from authoritarian, dogmatic, or high-control religious environments. While not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, the term is widely recognized by psychologists who specialize in this form of abuse. Mega-churches, particularly those within evangelicalism, are environments where the conditions for RTS can flourish due to intense social pressure, rigid doctrine, and hierarchical power structures.

How evangelical mega-churches contribute to RTS
Evangelical mega-churches are often singled out in discussions of RTS because certain common practices can create a toxic environment for some members.

Fear-based teachings: Many conservative evangelical churches use intense and vivid descriptions of hell, eternal damnation, and apocalypse to ensure adherence to the faith. For young children, this can instill a lifelong, paralyzing fear of divine punishment.

Purity culture and sexual shame: Strict teachings on sexual purity and traditional gender roles can lead to deep-seated shame, sexual dysfunction, and confusion, particularly for those who identify as LGBTQ+.

Authoritarian and manipulative leadership: In many mega-churches, pastors or church leaders hold significant spiritual authority that is often left unquestioned. This can create a power imbalance where leaders can control members through manipulation, gaslighting, or intimidation under the guise of "God's will".

"Us vs. them" mindset: High-control evangelical communities often emphasize a separation from "worldly" influences and create a culture that views outsiders as threats to be evangelized, rather than allies to be respected.

Emphasis on tithing and prosperity theology: Some mega-churches promote the idea that financial blessings from God are a direct result of tithing and having sufficient faith. When members experience financial hardship, they may internalize it as a personal failure or lack of faith, leading to guilt and shame.

Ostracism and betrayal: For members who leave the faith or question church authority, the consequences can be devastating. They may face rejection or shunning from their entire social and family network, which often exists almost exclusively within the church.

Symptoms of Religious Trauma Syndrome
RTS can manifest through a combination of psychological, emotional, and social difficulties.

Psychological and emotional: Symptoms often include confusion, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, perfectionism, and black-and-white thinking. Individuals may experience panic attacks triggered by religious symbols or settings, and deep-seated feelings of shame and guilt are common.

Social and developmental: Affected individuals may struggle to build healthy relationships or feel comfortable in secular society due to isolation from mainstream culture. For those raised in the church, social and emotional development can be stunted.

Physiological: High stress and chronic fear can lead to physical symptoms such as nightmares, fatigue, and other stress-related health problems.

Recovery and healing from religious trauma
Healing from RTS is a gradual process that involves acknowledging the harm and consciously rebuilding one's identity and worldview.

Trauma-informed therapy: Finding a therapist with experience in religious trauma is crucial. They can help individuals process shame and guilt, develop critical thinking, and rebuild self-compassion. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) can be effective.

Building community: Connecting with others who have experienced similar trauma can reduce feelings of isolation. Support groups, both online and in person, can provide validation and a new sense of belonging.

Rebuilding self-identity: Recovery involves creating a new sense of self based on personal values and experiences, rather than on the rigid religious framework that once defined the individual's worth.

Setting boundaries: For those with remaining ties to their former religious community, establishing healthy boundaries is essential for protecting their healing process.

All the human fears you name are common to us all. Tragically, I think these fears -- and so many of our basic human needs (to belong, to be accepted, to be seen) are exploited by authoritarian pastors who I fear are inflicting great harm on entire communities. I have no solution. I don't even know how to begin to acknowledge that the power of these most Un-Christian of Christian men is destructive without alienating those who have been indoctrinated. It is a case of the abused being well-defended against the notion that they are suffering abuse.