What exactly causes religious trauma syndrome? According to expert Dr Marlene Winell:

“Authoritarianism coupled with toxic theology which is received and reinforced at church, school, and home results in:

1. Suppression of normal childhood development;

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2. Damage to normal thinking and feeling abilities;
3. External locus of control (revealed vs discovered knowledge);
4. Physical & sexual abuse, patriarchal power.”

So how does the “cycle of abuse” in RTS actually work? She explains:

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“The doctrines of original sin and eternal damnation cause the most psychological distress by creating the ultimate double bind. You are guilty and responsible, and face eternal punishment. Yet you have no ability to do anything about it...

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You must conform to a mental test of ‘believing’ in an external, unseen source for salvation, and maintain this state of belief until death. You cannot ever stop sinning altogether, so you must continue to confess and be forgiven,

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hoping that you have met the criteria despite complete lack of feedback about whether you will actually make it to heaven.

Salvation is not a free gift after all.

For the sincere believer, this results in an unending cycle of shame and relief.”

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If any of this description fits your time in religion, you are likely suffering from RTS. As a helpful resource, catch my chat with Dr Winell—this is hugely helpful in rebuilding.

A Deep Dive into Religious Trauma Syndrome (with Dr Marlene Winell). https://www.podbean.com/ei/pb-wks3d-d76699