I know I’ve talked about how judgmental I was in religion. I seemed hateful. I acted cruelly toward anyone who didn’t fit the mold I was taught to believe was “right.”
But here’s the truth: that was what we were taught. That was what we heard. That was what I accepted as normal. It’s called indoctrination and it’s what all cults use to brainwash people. You are taught that you are better than everyone else, that you are God’s chosen, that you must always be perfect. Don’t feel. Don’t cry. Don’t be angry. Let people use you, forgive them even if it hurts you financially, mentally, emotionally, or physically. Be a doormat. Always nice. Never question. Never set boundaries. Truthfully, I couldn’t stand how we were treated in church and I hated what I saw. I know you’re asking why I stayed. I don’t know, I haven’t worked through that yet. I may never have an answer for you.
Those teachings hollowed us out. We became numb, empty, repeating only what we were told. We were not allowed to have a TV. No movies. No friends—unless they were in the church. No higher education. No voices but the ones they approved. Cut off from thought, from choice, from life itself. I become a shell, a mimic, a zombie, dead inside.
And that’s how they gain control of you.
So hear me now, fellow human: I am sorry. I am sorry for degrading you. I am sorry for judging you. I am sorry for not seeing your humanity. I was trapped in a cage, poisoned, afraid.
Hello, would love to hear your thoughts about my posts!