Have you been abused? If so, how badly has it been? The following questions will help you to see for yourself. If you answer affirmatively to any of them, then you have. If you answer yes to three or more question—or to any part of question six—then your need for recovery is extensive. 91 Days to Recovery from Religious Abuse can help you a great deal.
1. I have stopped going to church because I have been offended by someone in the ministry.
________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
2. I still go to church, but I simply go through the motions. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
3. I believe God is displeased with me for leaving the church. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
4. I believe most Christians are hypocrites. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
5. Yes, a church leader has offended me personally. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
6. I feel unworthy to pray. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
7. I have been verbally abused by a leader in the ministry. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
8. I have been sexually abused by someone in the ministry. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
9. I have been financially abused by someone in the ministry. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
10. I have been emotionally abused by a religious experience. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
11. I feel a sense of shame being around religious people. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
12. I feel used by my religious experience. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
13. I believe religious people are condemn me. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
14. I am angry with God. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
15. I feel unworthy to reach out to God. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
16. There is more to life than I’m experiencing. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
17. I would you like to feel closer to God but it’s not possible. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
18. Life has no meaning. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
19. Sometimes I wonder if I have a drinking problem. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
20. Sometimes I wonder if I abuse prescription drugs. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
21. Sometimes I wonder if I have a problem with pornography. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
22. Sometimes I doubt that God loves me. ________________________________________________
Strongly Agree …Agree …Neither …Disagree …Strongly Disagree
Not much disgusts me more than a post that is subtley claiming that the answer to religious abuse is more religion. Religions always abuse people. That’s the core of their being. True self-esteem comes from breaking free.
There is nothing on my blog that promotes being religious. I do promote a vital, vibrant relationship with God, however, without apology.
I can tell how wounded you are, and I understand it. Being of help to wounded people is why I created “Pushing Jesus” in the first place.
Jack Watts
Dear Jack,
Reference to 91 days… came to me recently. I happened upon this site and believe such a ‘lifeline’ has long been overdue.
I work for a Christian organization – good people – in a job I consider a blessing. I have been ‘avoiding’ church for several years. Interestingly, it was I who was on-fire spiritually. I participated in various volunteer situations. Iw as known as a giver. A doer. Dependable.
Then I got too close to the system of religion – saw things, heard of things, experienced things from leadership that should have never been. Behind corruption on such level, you always find a board of deacons who are enablers – ineffective.
I have been a victim of verbal critique that was unfair. My generosity was taken advantage of. My belly was filled with hypocrisy. Tho’ I know that I should go back – I feel spiritually, I do better on my own. But, then again – - even on my own – my soul is perfectly and constantly aware of the Lord’s presence and love – but, many months will pass in simply silent existence before the Lord – and not the dynamic interaction I once knew.
Yes, I will look forward to reading your book and hear your story.
I know I am not alone.
Yes, I am a victim of religion.
Number 13 and 17 need rewording. They don not make sense.