The Naked Journal
Thoughts, musings, and meanings behind NakedPastor Art.
The Naked Journal
3 Types Of Spiritual Bypassing
What Is Spiritual Bypassing? Spiritual Bypassing describes attempts to use spirituality and spiritual practices to avoid facing and dealing with unpleasant emotions, experiences, and realities in order to feel good and avoid discomfort and painful truths. 3 Types Of Spiritual Bypassing Spiritual Bypassing As A Way To Avoid Personal Responsibility People often use the Bible and their beliefs to hurt you and inflict spiritual abuse on you. They don't think they're being cruel. They think they're being righteous. They think they must somehow make you a better person. Some people may intentionally want to hurt you, so they find a holy excuse to do so.Have you experienced this? This is a form of spiritual bypassing. This cartoon is titled, It's Not Me It's God's Word, and is available as a digital download. Spiritual Bypassing As A Way To Avoid Taking Action You've heard the expression "Thoughts and prayers!" Thoughts and prayers diverts our attention away from the inaction of those who use it. They might mean well, but for many of us it's a signal that they're not going to actually do anything. It diverts our attention away from their lack of actionable concern. And sometimes it's a way to divert our attention away from their greed for more money and power. This cartoon is titled, Meaningless Thoughts and Prayers, and is available as a digital download. Spiritual Bypassing As A Way To Avoid Our Own Negative Emotions Spiritual bypassing often manifests itself as a defence mechanism instead of facing difficult feelings like pain, anger, or sadness in an honest way. Some people pretend to be positive and distant, using spiritual ideas to hide from these uncomfortable feelings. But this only gives a temporary feeling of relief and stops real emotional growth and self-understanding. Some call this "toxic positivity". Examples of this would be "Good Vibes Only" or "God Is Always Good". Once you’ve seen the signs of spiritual abuse and spiritual bypassing and recognize it, that’s actually the first step of your journey into healing and freedom. These are just 3 examples of spiritual bypassing but there are so many more. Feel free to leave other examples of spiritual bypassing in the comments below.
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8 Warning Signs You're in a Controlling Church
Have you ever wondered if you're in a controlling church? Over the years, I've realized something: many people don’t recognize when they're being manipulated, coerced, or pressured within a church. It often feels subtle at first, but over time, the control becomes clear. Here are 8 signs that you might be in a controlling church—or even in a controlling relationship of any kind: 1. Power is not shared. Decisions are made by a select few, with no room for input or dialogue. 2. Your needs and desires are denied Your personal well-being takes a backseat to the institution’s goals. 3. If you don't comply you will be ignored or worse. If you don’t fall in line, you may be ignored, shunned, or worse. 4. Your discontent is your fault When you express concerns, you're made to feel like the problem. 5. More put-downs than encouragement Feedback is framed as "constructive criticism," but it’s mostly discouraging. 6. Doubts and questions are seen as betrayal Honest inquiries are met with suspicion, as if you're turning against the faith.7. Shame keeps you in line 8. Your life is micromanaged Even personal decisions seem to require the church’s approval or oversight.Have you experienced this? I know I have. Not only as a church member, but as a pastor, I was guilty of this kind of control until I recognized the harm I was causing and knew I had to change. Recognizing Spiritual Abuse and Finding Freedom It's essential to recognize that spiritual abuse often disguises itself as guidance or care, but it is a form of church manipulation that deeply harms individuals. If you're experiencing these signs, you might be dealing with religious trauma, where the very place meant to nurture your spirit is instead causing you distress. Escaping a controlling church can be daunting, but acknowledging these clues is the first step toward reclaiming your spiritual freedom and finding a community that truly respects and supports you.
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