Religious Trauma Pt 1, How the Insidious Religious Trauma Starts
Oct 26, 2023, 03:00 PM
Religion is often viewed as a sanctuary for the soul, a haven where one can find solace, guidance, and a sense of belonging. But what if the very institutions people turn to for peace and understanding are the sources of their pain? A recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast with Tony Brueski delves into the delicate topic of religious trauma, shedding light on a subject often cloaked in silence and ambiguity.
"A lot of us brought up in churches and religious organizations, and we're always kind of taught. No, this is a good, safe place," Brueski began. Yet, he quickly pointed out the contrast, highlighting that for many individuals, their religious experiences are far from serene, and for some, they're outright traumatic. The concern? How society tends to dismiss the questionable actions or practices under the umbrella of "religion," hindering a closer scrutiny.
Dr. Laura Anderson, a licensed psychotherapist, trauma resolution coach, and religious trauma consultant, joined Brueski to shed light on this often-overlooked subject. Anderson herself has a personal history with religious trauma, growing up in what she refers to as a "high control religion" and having a father who was a director at a fundamentalist church camp. Her deep-rooted experience within the religious realm, combined with her professional expertise, makes her perspective invaluable.
"Religion has colloquially and culturally been looked at as a very pro-social factor," she explained. Anderson draws attention to the fact that religious trauma is not always about overtly heinous acts like clergy sexual abuse. More often, it's about how religion influences one's identity, worldview, and daily interactions. The trauma arises when these institutions, which are meant to provide safety and support, turn into sources of persistent harm.
It's vital to understand that the conversation is not about disparaging religion as a whole. As Brueski emphasizes, this is about recognizing the darker underbelly that can exist within religious spaces. "Let's be more aware of what we are accepting and saying is safe and okay before we just say it's safe and okay because someone's holding a cross," he noted.
The danger is when religion becomes a tool of manipulation or grooming. This grooming isn't just about sexual misconduct; it often extends to behavioral control, justified under the guise of "divine directive." When individuals are told they're acting in line with God's will or a higher power, it creates a powerful, often unbreakable, hold on their actions and beliefs.
Anderson's insight on how religious trauma manifests is particularly telling. She categorizes it under "complex trauma," which differs from the single incident traumas commonly associated with PTSD. Complex trauma encompasses persistent threats and emotional overwhelm that seem inescapable over a long duration. The effects? A myriad of physiological and psychological issues ranging from hypervigilance, social phobias, and autoimmune disorders to anxiety, depression, and OCD.
For those wondering if they might have experienced religious trauma, Anderson suggests looking into symptoms of complex PTSD. The key is recognizing that the trauma doesn't vanish just because one has ceased to believe or left a particular institution.
Religious trauma is an intricate issue that touches on the very core of one's identity and belief system. The conversation between Brueski and Anderson serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of critically examining all institutions, including religious ones, ensuring that they serve as genuine sanctuaries and not sources of distress.
In a world where faith and spirituality play such pivotal roles, isn't it time we confront the shadow side of religion and ask: how can we make religious spaces genuinely safe for all?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
"A lot of us brought up in churches and religious organizations, and we're always kind of taught. No, this is a good, safe place," Brueski began. Yet, he quickly pointed out the contrast, highlighting that for many individuals, their religious experiences are far from serene, and for some, they're outright traumatic. The concern? How society tends to dismiss the questionable actions or practices under the umbrella of "religion," hindering a closer scrutiny.
Dr. Laura Anderson, a licensed psychotherapist, trauma resolution coach, and religious trauma consultant, joined Brueski to shed light on this often-overlooked subject. Anderson herself has a personal history with religious trauma, growing up in what she refers to as a "high control religion" and having a father who was a director at a fundamentalist church camp. Her deep-rooted experience within the religious realm, combined with her professional expertise, makes her perspective invaluable.
"Religion has colloquially and culturally been looked at as a very pro-social factor," she explained. Anderson draws attention to the fact that religious trauma is not always about overtly heinous acts like clergy sexual abuse. More often, it's about how religion influences one's identity, worldview, and daily interactions. The trauma arises when these institutions, which are meant to provide safety and support, turn into sources of persistent harm.
It's vital to understand that the conversation is not about disparaging religion as a whole. As Brueski emphasizes, this is about recognizing the darker underbelly that can exist within religious spaces. "Let's be more aware of what we are accepting and saying is safe and okay before we just say it's safe and okay because someone's holding a cross," he noted.
The danger is when religion becomes a tool of manipulation or grooming. This grooming isn't just about sexual misconduct; it often extends to behavioral control, justified under the guise of "divine directive." When individuals are told they're acting in line with God's will or a higher power, it creates a powerful, often unbreakable, hold on their actions and beliefs.
Anderson's insight on how religious trauma manifests is particularly telling. She categorizes it under "complex trauma," which differs from the single incident traumas commonly associated with PTSD. Complex trauma encompasses persistent threats and emotional overwhelm that seem inescapable over a long duration. The effects? A myriad of physiological and psychological issues ranging from hypervigilance, social phobias, and autoimmune disorders to anxiety, depression, and OCD.
For those wondering if they might have experienced religious trauma, Anderson suggests looking into symptoms of complex PTSD. The key is recognizing that the trauma doesn't vanish just because one has ceased to believe or left a particular institution.
Religious trauma is an intricate issue that touches on the very core of one's identity and belief system. The conversation between Brueski and Anderson serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of critically examining all institutions, including religious ones, ensuring that they serve as genuine sanctuaries and not sources of distress.
In a world where faith and spirituality play such pivotal roles, isn't it time we confront the shadow side of religion and ask: how can we make religious spaces genuinely safe for all?
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com