Opinion: Reclaiming Spiritual Power In Light Of Religious Abuse
Disclaimer: This article talks about abuse in a spiritual context that is not aimed at any particular religion. Spiritual abuse may occur in any and all practiced faiths.
By: Michelle Richards
With over two-thirds of Americans practicing religion, spirituality exists as a pillar in many lives, serving to guide, create balance, and build connections to a higher power. Community ensures faithful practice, gathering those in search of a loving and supportive environment to establish valuable beliefs.
Unfortunately, religious institutions haven't been the same safe haven for everyone. While systemized faith supports the creation of community and belonging, there is still space left for hierarchies to be formed. These power dynamics within any given faith often do not have set boundaries, resulting in the opportunity for abuse. Stories of horrible atrocities - such as the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart - have been dragged into the light, provoking conversations about the power imbalance between religious leaders and their followers. Smart’s story testified to the misuse of religious power when Elizabeth’s kidnapper justified his actions of exploitation under the premise of being a “servant of God.”
Spiritual abuse is a type of abuse that results from a spiritual leader, system, or indoctrinated individual’s attempts to control and/or manipulate another individual. It can be difficult to recognize and many people may be unaware that this type of abuse even exists. Any abuse committed intentionally or otherwise, that occurs in a religious context can effectively diminish or break one’s spirit, undermining the benefits spirituality brings to the follower’s mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
"Spiritual abuse is sneaky. It hides in the fact that it is not commonly discussed and thus is often overlooked. But know that if you have experienced spiritual abuse or oppression, you are not alone, and compassionate help and support can help you overcome its effects." - Mackenzi Kingdon, MA, LMHCA,
The sooner the existence of spiritual inequality around us is acknowledged, individual awareness and support groups can begin to help victims in their recovery and encourage the prevention of future abuse. Many women in the spotlight - including influencers like Mary Katherine Backstrom, musicians such as Brandi Carlilie, and authors like Brene Brown and Jen Hatmaker - are speaking out about the toxic ideologies they witnessed in their own religious practices, both growing up and as adults. These women are calling out spiritual leaders in hopes that reformation will be taken seriously to promote a higher standard of equality, and inclusivity in diverse communities.
While pushback against abusers can certainly be achieved in the spotlight of the media, I want to offer encouragement and provide some useful resources on an individual level:
Educate yourself on the signs and effects of spiritual abuse
If you have experienced abuse, communicate this with trusted people in your life and explore involving a professional third party such as a counselor or therapist.
Attend meetings aimed to help abuse victims, such as conferences organized by the International Cultural Studies Association (ICSA)
Establish positive mental health habits and boundaries in your personal life
Resources: Signs of Spiritual Abuse, Women, Inequality, and the Church , Shame and Silence: Recognizing Spiritual Abuse
If you are a victim, remember that you are not alone and should not feel ashamed of your experience.
It’s time to go back to the healing roots of spirituality, where we can find comfort within ourselves and in the fellowship of others. Calling out abuse and discrimination in any social context begins the journey of awareness and action. Spiritual practice is not a ‘one size fits all. I encourage you to seek a practice of faith in which you are comfortable. Finding a community that supports and understands one another’s faith allows us to move forward, rewriting our own empowering spiritual narrative that restores the balance in our lives that religion initially sought to create. □
About the Writer
Michelle Richards lives in Wilmington, Delaware with her husband and two daughters. When she isn’t writing for H3R, Michelle works as a Care Counselor with Cerebral. She believes that access to quality, affordable Mental Health services is essential and wants to help to break the stigma of asking for support. Michelle loves the beach, reading, writing, true crime, exercising outside, watching movies with her daughters, and date nights with her husband.