When Religion Hurts You

"Anderson strikes a smart, balanced tone. . . . An exemplary guide to an understudied issue."--Publishers Weekly "An exposé of the dangers of high-control religions that makes it easier to recognize and resist religious abuse."--Foreword Reviews Religious trauma is something that happens far more often than most people realize. But religious trauma is trauma. In When Religion Hurts You, Dr. Laura Anderson takes an honest look at a side of religion that few like to talk about. Drawing from her own life and therapy practice, she helps readers understand what religious trauma is and isn't, and how high-control churches can be harmful and abusive, often resulting in trauma. She shows how elements of fundamentalist church life--such as fear of hell, purity culture, corporal punishment, and authoritarian leaders--can cause psychological, relational, physical, and spiritual damage. As she explores the growing phenomenon of religious trauma, Dr. Anderson helps readers embark on a journey of living as healing individuals and finding a new foundation to stand on. Recognizing that healing is a lifelong rather than a linear process, she offers markers of healing for those coming out of painful religious experiences and hope for finding wholeness after religious trauma.

RTS is a to the point, self-help guide on recovering from religion. Unlike any other book of its kind, RTS was written to rattle your conscience, and awaken your logic. Being written by someone who was born deep into religion gives it a personal connection and a realistic view on what someone goes through after leaving their faith. Most people, who were blessed with never having to be held back by belief would never understand the inner struggle one goes through in finding meaning in this world after being deceived their entire life. Too long have you been brainwashed and beguiled by those that would rob you of living life while taking you on a never ending exodus to some false promised land. This is why this book was written short, to the point, and was designed to not waste your time. So, if you have gone through this terrible transition, and need help through your time of trauma, then this is the book for you.

When Religion Hurts is a story about the potentially inhibitive effects of early childhood religious indoctrination. While the story itself is fiction, many of the events are based on the real-life experiences of the author and others who grew up as Jehovah's Witnesses. These real-life experiences are expressed through the personal and professional struggles of the main character in her unconscious and then conscious fight to break free from the psychological chains of religion. Like many who have experienced the heavy weight of religious control and manipulation, she believes she has to choose between her profession and her God. A person's chosen profession can be an expression of who he or she is. Denying oneself of a beloved vocation may actually be denial of who you are. Mailin is forced to grapple with this and many other issues as she strives to find her spiritual independence. Though the story focuses on the Jehovah's Witness organization, many of the truths uncovered can and should be applied to any religious system where the rules and rituals take authority over the individual, or personal relationship one should have with his or her Creator.

Trauma therapist Teresa B. Pasquale offers healing exercises, true-life examples, and life-giving discussion for anyone suffering from the very real pain of church hurt. Pasquale, a trauma survivor herself, understands the immeasurable value of our wounds once we've acknowledged them and recovered in community. That's why the wounds are "sacred," and the hope this book offers is a powerful message to anyone suffering from this widespread problem. This book explores the nature of emotional wounds, trauma, and spiritual hurt that come from negative religious experience. Some of the features are: Stories from a wide range of persons hurt by negative religious experience Healing and contemplative practices to help readers explore their own spiritual story and practical ways to move towards personal healing A journey through the experience of trauma in religious settings and how it is both relatable to other forms of trauma and distinctive -- outlining both facets An exploration of the author's own personal and professional understanding of hurt, trauma, PTSD, and the power of resiliency and healing

Have you been harmed by toxic religion? Learn how to recover and reclaim your life. Psychologist Marlene Winell is uniquely qualified to address the subject of this book. In addition to her personal experience with leaving fundamentalist religion, she has worked with clients recovering from religion for 28 years. She is known for coining the term Religious Trauma Syndrome. Leaving the Fold is a self-help book that examines the effects of authoritarian religion (fundamentalist Christianity in particular) on individuals who leave the faith. The concrete steps for healing are useful for anyone in recovery from toxic religion. In this book you'll discover: - what you can expect about stages of religious recovery - information about the key issues of recovery - relevant family dynamics - the power of manipulations - motivations for belonging and for leaving religion - specific steps for healing and reclaiming life - further steps for rebuilding life in the present Leaving the Fold is the only self-help psychology book on the subject of religious recovery. The accessible, compassionate writing is ideal for the reader who needs clear information and concrete help. Buy Leaving the Fold and begin your healing journey today

As a pastor with 40 years of experience, Keith Wright came to realise that a dichotomy exists within the walls of many churches. While many churchgoers find the environment wonderfully embracing and supportive, the fact is that religion can offer both a positive and a negative experience. Religious abuse affects millions of church members and church leaders in every denomination. It can be blatant, but it can also be extremely subtle and unintentional. Keith Wright believes that only when we recognise and acknowledge the problem can we work toward positive change that allows us to truly benefit from the good. Individuals, church leaders, Christian educators, sociologists, psychologists and other counsellors who have experienced or witnessed the results of religious abuse will find the personal stories in this book revealing and enlightening.

Simultaneously published in St. Louis, Missouri by Chalice Press, 2015.

Rooted in her experiences growing up in an Evangelical Christian family, Jamie Lee Finch's "You Are Your Own" offers an overview of Evangelicalism and the painful confusion and anxiety experienced under its demands. Finch explores the mechanisms of trauma and how fundamentalist denominations match the patterns connected with PTSD. She elaborates on the doubt, guilt, fear, and grief that haunt those leaving the Evangelical faith and offers an approach to help them recover healthy self-worth and resilience.A socio-historical autobiographical analysis of Evangelical Christianity's religious trauma, "You Are Your Own" emerges from Finch's reconnaissance on her own life-her journals, her stories, her trauma-and offers advocacy for everyone harmed by fundamentalist faith.Jamie Lee Finch is a sexuality and embodiment coach, intuitive healer, self-conversation facilitator, sex witch, and poet. You can learn about Jamie's work at JamieLeeFinch.com