Speaking of Cults...Recovering from Religious Trauma with Helen Greene

This week I welcome Helen Greene, a volunteer worker at the Freedom from Religion foundation and a wonderful guest to talk about the experience of religion (traditional and otherwise) on our psyche and what some people experience when they try to leave religion behind. Enjoy! I'm trying out a new thing this week of including a summary of the podcast.  Religion, Spirituality, and Deconversion Journey In the meeting, Chris and Helen discussed their experiences with religion and spirituality. Helen shared her journey from being a liberal Catholic to studying paganism and eventually becoming an atheist. She emphasized the gradual nature of her deconversion, contrasting it with the more traumatic experiences of others who have left high-control religious groups. Helen also highlighted the challenges faced by those who leave such groups, including trust issues and difficulty in transitioning to healthy models of behavior and support. She introduced the Recovering from Religion Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that offers hope, healing, and support for those dealing with doubt and non-belief, regardless of their position on the spectrum of belief. Emotional Support for Religion Recovery Helen discussed the services provided by her organization, which offers emotional support and resources for individuals recovering from religion. She highlighted the availability of a hotline, online support groups, and a community tailored to specific religions. Helen also mentioned an annual excursion for clients and volunteers, and the organization's need for volunteers with various skills. Chris expressed his enthusiasm for the organization's work and asked Helen about her experiences over the past four years. Addressing Religious Trauma and Abuse Chris and Helen discussed the reasons people contact their services, with Helen noting that fear of hell is the most common issue. They also touched on the topic of religious trauma, with Helen explaining that it can be difficult for people to overcome their indoctrination and emotional reactions. Chris suggested that physical abuse in spiritually abusive homes can contribute to this issue. Helen agreed, noting that many people they work with have experienced physical and emotional abuse. They also discussed the role of culture and education in shaping people's understanding of trauma and abuse. Chris wondered about the impact of social networks on this issue, while Helen emphasized the importance of empathy and good role models in helping people change their behavior. Exploring Religious and Spiritual Experiences Chris and Helen discussed their experiences with various religious and spiritual groups. Chris shared his observations about the similarities between ex-cult communities, including former Scientologists, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Mormons. Helen shared her journey from a liberal Catholic family to paganism, and then to skepticism and eventually atheism. She explained that paganism is a nature-based religion with no hierarchical structure, allowing individuals to create their own spiritual practices. Helen also shared her experience with the Ordo Templi Orientis (OTO), a group with a hierarchical structure and rules, and how she saw power dynamics within the pagan community. The conversation ended with Chris expressing his curiosity about paganism and Helen offering to share more about her experiences. Addressing Negative Religious Experiences Chris and Helen discussed the challenges of helping individuals recover from negative experiences with religion. They agreed that questioning deeply held beliefs and encouraging people to find out more about their religious doctrines can be helpful. Helen emphasized the importance of acknowledging and validating people's emotions, rather than dismissing their fears or beliefs. They also discussed the decline in church attendance and the shift of people from organized religion to more spiritual structures. Helen suggested that this shift could be due to a desire for more personal control and a distrust of systems and authority. Chris agreed, noting that this trend is emblematic of a broader breakdown in trust of authority and systems. Religious Institutions and Personal Impact Chris and Helen discussed the impact of religious institutions on individuals and society. Helen shared her personal experience of leaving the Catholic Church due to the Spotlight scandal and her subsequent involvement in the Recovering from Religion movement. They also discussed the psychology and neuroscience behind religious beliefs and how they shape the brain. Helen encouraged listeners to learn more about the movement and offered her contact information for further discussions. The conversation ended with Chris expressing his appreciation for the discussion and Helen wishing him well.