Imagine growing up in an environment where your beliefs and identity are constantly ridiculed and belittled. For some individuals, their religious upbringing can be a source of trauma, fear, and control. This is the reality for many who have experienced toxic faith, where religious beliefs are used to justify hate, prejudice, and abuse.
One such individual, who wishes to remain anonymous, shares their harrowing story of survival and redemption. They were raised in a strict religious environment where they were constantly told that people of color were inferior, women were submissive, and LGBTQ+ individuals were an abomination. The church they attended was notorious for its abusive and controlling behavior towards low-income families and people of color.
As a child, they were forbidden from socializing outside of school and church, and were constantly bullied for being "weird." They were also forced to attend church-sponsored events and activities, where they were subjected to hate speech and discriminatory rhetoric. The religious leaders they looked up to perpetuated harmful beliefs, using the Bible to justify their actions.
The individual's parents were complicit in their abuse, forcing them to stay in a toxic relationship and denying them access to education and opportunities. They were even forced to call their parents every night at 10:00 p.m. or face the consequences. It was a life of constant fear and control, where every move they made was monitored and judged.
But one day, everything changed. The individual discovered their queerness and began to question their religious beliefs. They started to distance themselves from their parents and eventually left religion behind, finding solace in therapy and a new community that accepted them for who they are.
Their story is a testament to the power of human resilience and the importance of seeking help and support. It is a reminder that toxic faith is not a reflection of one's worth or identity, but rather a symptom of a larger issue. By sharing their story, the individual hopes to inspire others who have experienced similar trauma to know that they are not alone and that there is a way out.
