Here’s my talk on “Leaving the Fold” at the Exmormon Foundation Conference on Oct. 15, 2011 in Salt Lake City. I think former Mormons are to be commended for making it out of such a controlling religion and powerful social system. Religious Trauma Syndrome explained at Exmormon Conference
This article by Pete Walker is a good explanation of “emotional flashbacks” and complex PTSD, which result from childhood neglect and emotional abuse (common to RTS). In essence, current stress can trigger old pain; recognizing the signs and learning to manage the emotional reactions is important for healthy functioning. I Read more…
Casting Off , by Anne Bokma. For those who reject the strict religion of their childhood, it’s not cutting ties with their church that’s hardest. It’s breaking away from their devout parents. Even as a young boy, Peter Scott knew he was out of place in the Pentecostal church he Read more…
With RTS, the social context is completely different from other trauma recovery situations. Natural disaster experiences, childhood sexual abuse or family violence are all understandable to friends and professionals who are likely to be sympathetic and supportive. In the case of religious abuse, a person is often hounded by family and church members to return, and reminded in many ways that they are condemned otherwise. In essence, they are pressured to return to the perpetrator of their abuse. Their suffering is not seen. In fact, they are made pariahs when they do not return and this social rejection is an added layer of serious injury absent from other varieties of trauma. (more…)
Many of us have enjoyed the traditions of Christmas and wonder how to go about it after leaving the Christian faith. (more…)