Breaking Free from Religious Brainwashing: A Personal Journey and Advice
As someone who grew up in a deeply religious environment, I can relate to the challenge of breaking free from religious brainwashing. I was brainwashed to believe in Christianity, and it took me a significant amount of time to realize that the beliefs I was taught were not based in reality. Like many others, I found it difficult to come out to my parents and share my newfound perspective.
The Difficulty of Breaking Free
Initially, I tried to send subtle hints that I was no longer interested in participating in religious practices and beliefs. However, it took a long time for my parents to notice. Eventually, we discussed the matter, and my mother suspected that I was no longer fully ‘in the fold.' It was much easier to break free after this conversation.
My Journey of Self-Discovery
I am proud of my journey out of the darkness of religious dogma. It requires a lot of courage and honesty to live your life based on your own beliefs, even if they differ from the majority's. As I evolved, I became more responsible and realized that I did not want to continue living in a framework of lies. I am a realist who values truth and authenticity in all aspects of life.
Why I Passed Up God
Contrary to what many might think, I do not believe that I should try to find God out of curiosity. God, as often depicted in religious texts, is portrayed as a figure who cannot be proven or falsified. If I had tried to find God, I might have been disappointed to discover that she is not the all-loving, benevolent being I believed her to be. Instead, I chose to explore other spiritual paths and remain open to different perspectives.
The Power of Religion and Political Manipulation
Religion and politics both have powerful ways of manipulating people's minds. Both rely on the manipulation of cultural and social norms to control people. They tap into the vulnerabilities of individuals who want to be accepted and belong to a group. Political parties and religious organizations often use this to create a sense of unity and loyalty among their followers.
For example, religious leaders may excommunicate individuals who do not conform to their beliefs, while political leaders may use the media to influence people's opinions. These tactics are not new and have been used for centuries to control people's minds. However, in recent times, the same tactics are used by political parties to influence people's beliefs and opinions.
Parental Influence and Forgiveness
It is important to remember that parents and influencers only understood the world based on their experiences. We should forgive them for their limitations and understand that they did the best they could with the knowledge they had. They often did not have the advantage of modern understanding and were influenced by the cultural and social norms of their time.
Forgiveness does not mean accepting their views or not challenging them. It is important to appreciate their efforts to navigate their experience and show love and respect. However, it is also acceptable to feel pity for their lack of understanding. Awareness of your own energy in this experience is a unique gift that requires a high IQ and EQ.
Avoiding an Intervention
You do not need an 'intervention meeting' or an announcement event. Gradually let your parents know that you no longer want to participate in these religious activities because it gives you a bad feeling and affects your healthy perspective. Trust that their consideration will eventually lead them to accept your strength in character and the decisions you make about your life.
Ultimately, you cannot change your parents' ideology, so it is not productive to argue about it. Instead, focus on your own development and the path that resonates with your inner truth. Your parents only knew what they knew, and they did the best they could. Love and respect them for their efforts, while also showing understanding and compassion for their limitations.