9 > the antlerette // fall 2021
THE PROBLEMS WITH ORGANIZED RELIGION M A I YA LO PE Z / / CO PY E D I TO R
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eligion could be a beautiful thing. It is defined as “a particular system of faith and worship.” In theory that would sound appealing, to partake in the togetherness of a group of people with similar beliefs. These could all be great aspects of religion, but it also sparks the question of if it’s actually too good to be true. And truthfully, that’s exactly the case. In today’s society, it can often be used to justify hatred, bigotry, and hostility towards differing groups of people, typically with opposing beliefs. But all of those are just surface level issues. Beneath the already challenging issues, what really goes on in organized religions? While some critics of religion may argue that religion is not only harmful to the individual but to society, it is very scarce that people question why. Many religions suffer from religious ethical issues because of selfish, greedy, and immoral leaders. These people tend to twist what the rules of their religion state, and bend them to suit their wants or needs. Corrupt religious leaders emotionally manipulate their followers by guilting or instilling a feeling of hopelessness to keep them vulnerable. And considering the power differential at play between the followers and priests, this shows a worse narrative that expresses the harsh reality of power differentials in religion. Religious trauma syndrome is a direct result from these transgressions, the exact definition being when an individual struggles with leaving
a religion or a set of beliefs that has led to their indoctrination. Symptoms for RTS arise in response to traumatic or stressful religious experiences, which can be categorized as religious abuse. Religious abuse is abuse administered under the guise of religion, including harassment or humiliation, and more often than not results in psychological trauma. Some prime examples of this are spiritual, sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Some religious leaders, often found in Christianity and Catholicism, abuse the power they have by emotionally and mentally tormenting those below them by misusing religion for selfish, secular, or ideological ends. It’s not just always the organization; it could also be the people. Alcoholism, substance abuse, domestic violence, greediness, sexual immorality and promiscuity are commonly seen within the church-going populations, a huge contrast to what their religion teaches. The most self-righteous, God-fearing believers can sometimes be the most corrupt people. Those all could be just human-nature traits, but considering these people are religious, it could have connection to past religious abuse and corruption. Organized religion has many issues that are barely touched on the surface without extensive years of research. However, by speaking out against religious abuse and uplifting victims to share their story, we can work towards ending the corruption that can come with organized religion.
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION // MALIA KEKAHUNA
