Faith traditions have been known to bring comfort, hope, and peace to many people throughout history.
There are times when they can also cause trauma and harm. This is especially true for individuals who belong to religious communities that preach the need for absolute submission to authority figures and strict adherence to certain beliefs. Such practices can create feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and isolation. In this article, I will explore how one's faith tradition can become both a source of trauma and healing, drawing from my personal experience.
One such practice that has caused me great distress is the idea of "purity culture" within evangelical Christianity. Growing up in this context, I was taught that I should strive to be pure in every aspect of my life - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. This meant abstaining from sexual activity before marriage, maintaining a chaste mindset towards men outside of marriage, dressing modestly, avoiding entertainment deemed "worldly", and submitting to male leadership. Any deviation from these standards would result in severe consequences, including ostracism, shaming, and damnation. The pressure was immense and led to feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing, and constant anxiety. It also made it difficult to form healthy relationships with others.
Despite the pain and suffering that purity culture caused, it also served as a powerful motivator for change. I realized that I needed to break free from its oppressive grip if I wanted to live a truly fulfilling life. So, I began to question the teachings of my faith community and sought out alternative perspectives on sexuality, gender roles, and power dynamics. I found solace in progressive Christianity, which emphasizes grace, love, and justice over judgment and shame. Through this journey, I came to understand that my identity is not determined by external expectations but rather by my own choices and actions.
While this transformation has been liberating, it has also created new challenges. I now have to navigate conflicting beliefs and values between myself and other members of my family or church community who still adhere to traditional views. Some have accused me of being rebellious or betraying God's commands, while others have offered support and understanding. Despite these obstacles, I remain committed to pursuing truth, healing, and connection - both within myself and with those around me.
Faith traditions can be a source of great comfort and joy, but they can also cause trauma when they prioritize strict adherence to certain beliefs and practices. My experience shows that personal growth and transformation are possible even amidst such struggles. As we seek to understand our faith and explore our identities, let us remember that true freedom comes from embracing all aspects of ourselves - including our pain, doubts, and questions.
What happens when one's faith tradition becomes both a source of trauma and healing?
When someone's faith tradition becomes both a source of trauma and healing, it can lead to a complex and often unresolved emotional state that may cause them to struggle with their identity, beliefs, and relationships with others. The individual may experience feelings of betrayal, confusion, guilt, shame, and isolation as they grapple with the contradictory messages and experiences they have encountered within their religious community.