Toxic Faith by Stephen ArterburnMy rating: 3 of 5 stars
Overview of what an addiction is. Detailed information on how religious addiction starts. Signs of a toxic faith. How recovery from religious addiction can happen.
Here are some of the toxic beliefs that can indicate being part of a toxic faith/religious addiction:
-God's love and favor depend on my behavior.
-When tragedy strikes, true believers should have a real peace about it.
-If I have real faith, God will heal me or someone I am praying for.
-Problems in my life result from some particular sin.
-I must not stop meeting others' needs.
-God uses only spiritual giants.
-A strong faith will protect me from problems and pain.
-More than anything else, God wants me to be happy.
The following list was taken from a book by Peter Benson & Carolyn Eklin and is quoted in this book:
"The Nature of Mature Faith
A study researching faith came up with eight core dimensions that indicate the maturity of one's faith. A mature believer:
1. Trusts in God's saving grace and believes firmly in the humanity and divinity of Jesus.
2. Experiences a sense of personal well-being, security, and peace
3. Integrates faith and life, seeing work, family, social relationships, and political choices as part of one's religious life
4. Seeks spiritual growth through study, reflection, prayer, and discussion with others
5. Seeks to be part of a community of believers in which people give witness to their faith and support and nourish one another
6. Holds life-affirming values, including commitment to racial and gender equality, affirmation of cultural and religious diversity, and a personal sense of responsibility for the welfare of others
7. Advocates social and global change to bring about greater social justice
8. Serves humanity consistently and passionately through acts of love and justice"
Overall, good book on this topic of religious addiction and spiritual abuse.
*I own this book
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