Dared to Doubt
Posted: Thu Jun 08, 2023 5:06 pm
This is an article from Dared to Doubt.
It may be helpful for some ex-members or those who are in the xCF and asking questions.
What Is Religious Trauma Syndrome?
Faith can be a comfort to many. For others, it can be the source of physical, emotional, and psychological damage.
Do you experience intense bouts of panic that come from nowhere?
Are you wrestling with feelings of confusion, paranoia, and rage?
Do you have nightmares of going to hell?
Are you triggered by things that never bothered you before, like going to church for a wedding, or hearing a call to prayer? Or Even just hearing the word 'God'?
Maybe your emotions roller-coaster on highs of freedom followed by lows of depression. You might feel elated after leaving faith by the thrill of being able to do, eat, wear, and learn whatever you want, only to feel crushed by grief and anger a moment later. If these feelings sound familiar, you may be experiencing symptoms of Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS).
What Are The Symptoms?
Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is the clinical term given by Dr. Marlene Winell to the condition experienced by many who leave an authoritarian indoctrination. Symptoms include:
• Cognitive: confusion, poor critical thinking ability, negative beliefs about self-ability and self-worth, black and white thinking, perfectionism, difficulty with decision-making
• Emotional: depression, anxiety, anger, grief, loneliness, difficulty with pleasure, loss of meaning
• Social: loss of social network, family rupture, social awkwardness, sexual difficulty, behind schedule on developmental tasks
• Cultural: unfamiliarity with secular world; “fish out of water” feelings, difficulty belonging, information gaps (e.g. evolution, modern art, music)
What Is The Cause?
RTS is the result of, "Authoritarianism coupled with toxic theology," says Dr. Winell. This crippling combo is often received and reinforced at church, school, and home, resulting in:
• Suppression of normal child development – cognitive, social, emotional, moral stages are arrested
• Damage to normal thinking and feeling abilities – information is limited and controlled; dysfunctional beliefs taught; independent thinking condemned; feelings condemned
• External locus of control – knowledge is revealed, not discovered; hierarchy of authority enforced; self not a reliable or good source
• Physical and sexual abuse – patriarchal power; unhealthy sexual views; punishment used as discipline
From the website:
Dared to Doubt.
Detaching from harmful belief systems.
It may be helpful for some ex-members or those who are in the xCF and asking questions.
What Is Religious Trauma Syndrome?
Faith can be a comfort to many. For others, it can be the source of physical, emotional, and psychological damage.
Do you experience intense bouts of panic that come from nowhere?
Are you wrestling with feelings of confusion, paranoia, and rage?
Do you have nightmares of going to hell?
Are you triggered by things that never bothered you before, like going to church for a wedding, or hearing a call to prayer? Or Even just hearing the word 'God'?
Maybe your emotions roller-coaster on highs of freedom followed by lows of depression. You might feel elated after leaving faith by the thrill of being able to do, eat, wear, and learn whatever you want, only to feel crushed by grief and anger a moment later. If these feelings sound familiar, you may be experiencing symptoms of Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS).
What Are The Symptoms?
Religious Trauma Syndrome (RTS) is the clinical term given by Dr. Marlene Winell to the condition experienced by many who leave an authoritarian indoctrination. Symptoms include:
• Cognitive: confusion, poor critical thinking ability, negative beliefs about self-ability and self-worth, black and white thinking, perfectionism, difficulty with decision-making
• Emotional: depression, anxiety, anger, grief, loneliness, difficulty with pleasure, loss of meaning
• Social: loss of social network, family rupture, social awkwardness, sexual difficulty, behind schedule on developmental tasks
• Cultural: unfamiliarity with secular world; “fish out of water” feelings, difficulty belonging, information gaps (e.g. evolution, modern art, music)
What Is The Cause?
RTS is the result of, "Authoritarianism coupled with toxic theology," says Dr. Winell. This crippling combo is often received and reinforced at church, school, and home, resulting in:
• Suppression of normal child development – cognitive, social, emotional, moral stages are arrested
• Damage to normal thinking and feeling abilities – information is limited and controlled; dysfunctional beliefs taught; independent thinking condemned; feelings condemned
• External locus of control – knowledge is revealed, not discovered; hierarchy of authority enforced; self not a reliable or good source
• Physical and sexual abuse – patriarchal power; unhealthy sexual views; punishment used as discipline
From the website:
Dared to Doubt.
Detaching from harmful belief systems.