Tag: ReligiousTrauma

  • The Transition

    From Newcomer to Church Member. Remember the cards in the deck before this? Those are all still in play, at the same time. Before You Continue This section explores the early stages of becoming deeply immersed in a high-control religious environment, including the rapid development of belonging, friendship, purpose, responsibility, and emotional attachment. As we…

  • The Mechanisms: Reclaiming Your Agency

    The Mechanisms: Reclaiming Your Agency Why We Cannot Recognize the Influences We Were Never Taught to See Content Warning: This article discusses religious trauma, high-control religious environments, spiritual abuse, coercive influence, manipulation, and the use of theological authority. It also includes personal reflections that some readers—particularly those with religious trauma or experiences in high-control religious…

  • Illusory Truth: When Repetition Becomes Belief

    Before You Begin This article explores how repeated messages can gradually shape the way we understand ourselves, others, and the world around us. As you read, you may find yourself remembering teachings, sermons, Bible studies, conversations, songs, or phrases that were repeated so often they became familiar. Realizing how repetition may have influenced beliefs you…

  • Looking to Others for Answers: Informational Social Influence

    Before You Begin This article explores how we naturally look to trusted people for guidance when we’re trying to understand unfamiliar experiences. As you read, you may find yourself remembering conversations with pastors, mentors, family members, or friends who helped shape the way you understood your experiences, your faith, or even yourself. Realizing how our…

  • Shared Emotional Experience: Collective Effervescence

    Before You Begin This article explores the powerful emotional experiences that many people remember from life inside high-control, immersive environments. As you read, you may find yourself remembering worship services, conferences, retreats, altar calls, or other moments that once felt deeply significant. Revisiting those memories can bring up a wide range of emotions, including grief,…

  • Breaking Down the Foundation: The Dismantling of What Already Exists

    Before You Begin This article explores how high-control, immersive environments begin reshaping the foundation we already have. As you read, you may find yourself remembering your first experiences in church or noticing connections you hadn’t recognized before. That can bring up a wide range of emotions. Please don’t feel like you need to rush through…

  • Where Foundations Begin: Why They Are so Important

    Before You Begin: Content Warning This article may bring up memories or uncomfortable emotions for some readers. That’s okay. Please don’t feel like you need to rush through it. Read at your own pace. Stop if you need to. Come back when you’re ready. Some of the things we discuss throughout this series can be…