For a healthy spiritual life, we need community. But it is a sad truth that some communities are toxic and can do more harm than help. Religious trauma is as real as any other trauma.
Today we need to be careful everywhere. The online world can be very inspiring in many ways, but also very dangerous. Social media, too, is riddled with âreligious predatorsâ who most often âpreyâ on young believers.
Do you think this does not concern you? Experience shows that none of us is resistant to such manipulation. The sects offer enticing biblical interpretations that are perfectly thought out, and at first glance friendly backgrounds. Although their study lessons are free, the real price is ultimately quite high...
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How do I know if I'm in an unhealthy religious community?
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1. Clear identification is difficult... đ
Religious communities with sectarian elements do not voluntarily and publicly confess their true identity. If you ask directly, you will be assured that you are mistaken.
What is typical is the concealment of facts, their bending, the layering of half-truths... Your sources will be identified as demonic: After all, the religious movement itself or the manipulative behavior of its members cannot be blamed for bad references, but satanicTrying to discredit him in the eyes of the public.
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2. We have the only right key to reading the Bible! đïž
Yes, exclusivism tends to be rooted at the core of the teachings of many churches. However, we should not ignore it! If in communion you often encounter the idea that all other churches are going in the wrong direction and only in this place can you learn the whole truth, become aware.
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3. Isolation đ±
In recent years, unhealthy religious movements have thrived primarily in the online world. Do you attend online (or offline) classes in a group where you don't really know anyone? Do they keep you in isolation, do you only communicate with the assigned âwardenâ? All this is done very probably so that you do not compromise the faith of other potential members the moment you start to have doubts.
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4. They know so much about me! đ
You don't really know anyone in the study group, but they know almost everything about you. From the address of residence, for example, to the innermost things they probably collected through a personal interview or through questionnaires. These are often filled out under the false pretext of some god-awful survey:
âI'm finishing my studies, I need help with a questionnaire,â or âWe need help creating a believing character in a student film.â Complete according to your own imagination.
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5. Doubt it? Satan is responsible for this. đż
Critical thinking and doubt are not welcome in a community that demands submission to the authority of a single correct interpretation. However, the ability to ask sincere questions and the freedom to deepen one's own spirituality is absolutely crucial for healthy spiritual growth!
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6. If you leave us, you'll end up in hell. đ„
Enthusiasm towards other religious groups can lead to their damnation in hellish flames. Whoever doubts the authenticity of the knowledge presented is on the way to eternal destruction. Such manipulations and threats are a clear indicator that this communion is definitely not suitable for spiritual (or any other) life.
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7. More and more intensity â±ïž
Do you gradually feel compelled to devote more and more time to this community? Classes three times a week, repeating them, other and other activities... Do you not have time for your loved ones and are even directly encouraged to hide some things from them? Such separation from fellow men who are âunder the rule of the evil oneâ is a typical manifestation of sectarian thinking.
