For many, religious beliefs and communities can be sources of comfort, purpose, and connection. But they can also be linked to abuse, betrayal, or manipulation. Per a recent investigation, it is estimated that at least one-third of U.S. adults have experienced religious trauma at some point in their life, with as many as one-in-five actively suffering from symptoms of religious trauma (Slade, et al., 2023).
Perhaps you are here because you or a loved one have experienced difficulties related to hurtful encounters in religious settings. Maybe you are a member or leader of a religious community and want to safeguard your community from hurtful practices. The goal of this article is to define religious trauma, highlight signs of it, and provide resources to help those who have been impacted
What is Religious Trauma?
Religious Trauma stems from hurtful experiences related to religious practices, be it in a religious institution, a family, or other relationships. Many of these hurtful experiences are types of Spiritual Abuse. The study referenced above was conducted by Darren Slade, PhD—President of the Global Center for Religious Research—and his colleagues. Dr. Slade and his team use the following definition of Religious Trauma:
“Religious trauma results from an event, series of events, relationships, or circumstances within or connected to religious beliefs, practices, or structures that is experienced by an individual as overwhelming or disruptive and has lasting adverse effects on a person’s physical, mental, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”
This definition provides us with an overview of the causes and impact of Religious Trauma. The following sections will describe practices that can be damaging as well as what that damage can do to an individual’s life.
For more, go to Dr. Stieber’s blog