Programing Our Minds

PROGRAMING OUR MINDS: An exploration of the traits of religious trauma. 

Some bodies are born “gay” in that they have genetic anomalies that create distinct hormone signatures and therefore expressions. Other bodies have environmental pressures that shift gene expression in such a way that adaptive behaviors display as “traits”. The nature/nurture argument is ongoing and can be applied in a sociological exploration of religion as well. 
The region of America known as the “South” has traits that some view as Christian religious values. From my perspective, these traits are more in alignment with Cluster B personality disorders. That is to say, the fundamental belief that “Non-believers will burn in the pit of hell” is narcissistic at best. The celebration of human sacrifice, wearing a crucifix as jewelry, and claiming admonishment from sin through the blood of Jesus is something that seems more like occult practices than it does a base for morality. 
Admittedly, as a student of psychology, philosophy, and biology, I can see the use for aspects of religion that are healthy, such as having an in-group or “tribe” to belong to.
However, I also hold a strong bias that is more consistent with Freud's assertions on religion: 
In "The Future of an Illusion" (1927), Freud wrote: "Our knowledge of the historical worth of certain religious doctrines increases our respect for them, but does not invalidate our proposal that they should cease to be put forward as the reasons for the precepts of civilization. On the contrary! Those historical residues have helped us to view religious teachings, as it were, as neurotic relics, and we may now argue that the time has probably come, as it does in an analytic treatment, for replacing the effects of repression by the results of the rational operation of the intellect."4
The challenge is that, as philosopher Sam Harris asserted, “Many who claim to have been transformed by Christ’s love are deeply, even murderously, intolerant of criticism”
( https://www.samharris.org/blog/reply-to-a-christian; 1/16/24). 
On its face, we can see the irony of such behavior. Nonetheless, it’s unacceptable to me as a practitioner that helps people acknowledge, understand, and somatically process trauma while maintaining a structurally safe environment in session that can be applied in each of my client’s lives. In other words, I provide a space where the abuses experienced from religious leaders can be spoken about without reservation. 
To me, this seems like a rational evolution of being a Relationship Coach in the South. I feel a responsibility to invite people to explore how their self-esteem has been impacted through their exposure to religious dogmas. Further, I would be remiss to remain in denial about the harm “Faith Based” therapeutic practitioners can inflict should they blindly align with the beliefs listed below: 

Baptist Christianity encompasses a range of beliefs, and there may be variations among different Baptist denominations. However, here are some core beliefs that are often associated with Baptist Christianity:

1. Authority of Scripture: Baptists generally believe in the authority of the Bible as the inspired and infallible Word of God. They look to the Scriptures for guidance in matters of faith and practice.
2. Salvation by Faith Alone: Baptists typically emphasize salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, rather than through good works. This aligns with the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith.
3. Believer's Baptism: One distinctive feature of Baptists is their belief in believer's baptism, which means that individuals are baptized only after making a personal profession of faith in Jesus Christ.
4. Autonomy of the Local Church: Baptists often uphold the autonomy of the local church, meaning that each individual congregation is self-governing and makes decisions independently.
5. Priesthood of All Believers: Baptists affirm the priesthood of all believers, emphasizing that each Christian has direct access to God and can interpret the Scriptures under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
6. Separation of Church and State: Many Baptists advocate for the separation of church and state, believing that the church should not be controlled or influenced by governmental authorities.
7. Congregational Polity: Baptist churches typically operate under a congregational polity, where the congregation has a significant role in decision-making processes.
8. Evangelism and Missions: Baptists often prioritize evangelism and missions, seeking to spread the message of the Gospel and make disciples of all nations.

The programming of our minds is the inheritance of each child from their parents and from their society. Many of us have been indoctrinated into obscure cult-like structures that are given a shiny veneer. When we get our worldview reinforced instead of challenged, the practice of rhetoric and critical thinking gets traded for unquestioned allegiance. It’s my assertion, harm can come from with working with a “Faith based” mental health practitioner who can reinforce cult-like belief systems, 

Cults are often characterized by certain traits that distinguish them from mainstream religious or social groups. It's important to note that the term "cult" can be subjective, and not all groups exhibiting these traits are necessarily harmful. However, some common traits associated with cults include:

1. Authoritarian Leadership: Cults typically have a charismatic and authoritarian leader who holds significant power and influence over the members. The leader's decisions are often unquestioned, and dissent is discouraged. *For instance a loud pastor that yells his sermons, spits with fervor, and evokes emotional escalation in his congregation. 
2. Isolation and Control: Cults may isolate their members from the outside world, limiting their contact with friends, family, or information that contradicts the group's beliefs. This isolation can make it challenging for members to critically evaluate the group's teachings.
3. Manipulation and Deception: Cults often use manipulative tactics, such as mind control, emotional manipulation, or deception, to influence and control their members. This can involve distorting information, making false promises, or creating a sense of dependency on the group.
4. Exclusive Beliefs: Cults tend to have exclusive and often extreme beliefs that set them apart from mainstream society. These beliefs may involve apocalyptic visions, a special mission, or a claim to possess unique spiritual insights.
5. Exploitation: Cults may exploit their members financially, emotionally, or physically. This can include pressuring members to donate large sums of money, engaging in forced labor, or subjecting them to physical or psychological harm. *chatgpt 1/16/24. 

It doesn’t take much to draw a comparison between the evangelical practices and cult traits. Moreover, we can, with rational application of thought, draw a parallel between cult leaders dispositions and cluster B personality traits as listed below: 

Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD):

• Lack of empathy and remorse
• Impulsivity
• Irresponsibility
• Violation of others' rights without remorse

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD):

• Intense and unstable relationships
• Identity disturbance
• Impulsivity
• Emotional instability
• Fear of abandonment

Histrionic Personality Disorder:

• Attention-seeking behavior
• Excessive emotions
• Shallow and rapidly changing emotions
• Discomfort when not the center of attention

Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD):

• Grandiosity
• Lack of empathy
• Need for excessive admiration
• Sense of entitlement
• Exploitative behavior

I’ve written this Blog to spur conversation, dialogue, and incite the lost art of debate.
Lastly, the South has one of the richest resources for energy production–coal–and the poorest population of people. Is it possible, generational poverty, exploitation that rivals civil atrocities, introduction of opiates, and ripping apart families in the name of “protecting children '' have created a sub-culture of people who are easy prey for controlling religious leaders who are purporting hope?  Might we be able to assert faith without bigotry? Can we repair the divide through empowering each person to embrace their autonomy and responsibility to be good stewards of their bodies? 
I certainly hope so! 

To engage in conversation with me on this topic please email:
[email protected] or use my calendar to book a session.