Religion is an organized, community-based system of beliefs, while spirituality resides within the individual and what they personally believe. “The idea of religion and spirituality is like a rectangle versus a square. Within religion there is spirituality, but if you have spirituality, it does not necessarily mean you have religion,” says someone who practices both religion and spirituality.
Hurt and Trauma can happen within any religion. Hurt ranges from minor relationship difficulties; to abuses of power, control struggles, physical, mental and sexual abuse within the religion. Religious leaders and their families may experience religious hurt and trauma while fulfilling their calling. What starts out as a religious hurt or trauma can lead individuals to abandon their faith as they distance themselves from their trauma.
Spiritual trauma can be associated with loss of faith, diminished participation in religious or spiritual activities, changes in belief, feelings of being abandoned or punished by God, and loss of meaning and purpose for living.
I believe Religion gives people something to believe in, provides a sense of structure and typically offers a group of people to connect with over similar beliefs. Religious traditions and ceremonies provide significant and meaningful milestones in one’s life. This can have an impact on mental health—research suggests that being religious reduces suicide rates, alcoholism and drug use.
DEDICATED TO REWEAVING LIFE'S PAIN
AND DISAPPOINTMENT
INTO A TAPESTRY OF HOPE