Thursday, August 4, 2011

When God Becomes A Drug: Breaking the Chains of Religious Addiction and Abuse










Taken from When God Becomes A Drug by Leo Booth.

SYMPTOMS OF RELIGIOUS ADDICTION

Inability to think, doubt, or question information or authority

Black-and-white, simplistic thinking

Shame-based belief that you aren't good enough, or you aren't "doing it right"

Magical thinking that God will fix you

Scrupulosity; rigid, obsessive adherence to rules, codes of ethics, or guidelines

Uncompromising, judgmental attitudes

Compulsive praying, going to church or crusades, quoting scripture

Unrealistic financial contributions

Believing that sex is dirty -- that our bodies and physical pleasures are evil

Compulsive eating or excessive fasting

Conflict with science, medicine, and [secular] education

Progressive detachment from the real world, isolation, breakdown of relationships

Psychosomatic illness: sleeplessness, back pains, headaches, hypertension

Manipulating scripture or texts, feeling chosen, claiming to receive special messages from God
Trance like state or religious high, wearing a glazed happy face

Cries for help; mental, emotional, physical breakdown; hospitalization





PROGRESSION OF RELIGIOUS ADDICTION
EARLY STAGE:
  • *Ordinary religious or spiritual lifestyle
  • Using Bible to calm nerves
  • Excessive church-going / Bible study
  • Praying before attending functions
  • Church / Bible becomes greater focal point
  • Using church / Bible / prayer to avoid problems
  • Black-and-white thinking increases
  • Missing family gatherings or work because of religious functions
  • Compulsively thinking about or quoting scripture
  • Preoccupation with church / Bible study
  • Thinking only of church
LOSS OF CONTROL PHASE
MIDDLE STAGE:
  • Rationalization begins
  • Secret irritation when religious practices discussed or criticized
  • Increased use of church / Bible / prayer to avoid problems
  • Thinking world / body evil
  • Compulsive church attendance and scripture quoting
  • Church attendance bolstered by excuses
  • Obsessive praying, church-going, crusades, proselytizing
  • Loss of other interests
  • Excessive financial contributions / tithing
  • Obsession with church / religion / preacher(s)
  • Increasing dependence on religion
  • Sexuality is perceived as dirty
  • Feel guilt when missing church functions
  • Excessive fasting / eating disorder
  • Refuse to think critically / doubt / question information or authority
  • Efforts to control church-going fail
  • Isolation from people
  • Unable to sensibly discuss religious issues
  • Non-religious family and friends judged or avoided
  • Brainwashing: family and friends
  • Grandiose and aggressive behavior
  • Conflict with school or work
  • Loss of job
  • Money problems
LATE STAGE:
  • Radical deterioration of relationships
  • Preaching that sex is dirty
  • Sexual compulsive / obsessive behavior; sexual acting out
  • Unreasonable resentment(s)
  • Physical and mental deterioration
  • Powerlessness
  • Lengthy crusades / mission work / communes
  • Loss of family / friends
  • "Messages" from God
  • Unable to make decisions
  • Trances/stares
  • Complete abandonment
  • Isolation
  • Physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion
  • Psychiatric assistance
  • Hospitalization