*possible trigger: spiritual/religious abuse*

Some who abused us used religion to cloak their evil and protect them from being caught. We define religion as any man-made system designed to earn God's favor.

I can't live without having a relationship with God. His love saved me and has kept me alive and healing.

I believe "spiritual" or "religious" abuse is just about the worst abuse of all. It steals/corrupts/degrates/defiles people's access to God and their ability to trust Him.

The ones who harmed me did so in physical, emotional, sexual, religious and ritual abuse. Some of those bad people used God's name and lied to say God was in our abuse or He approved it. We are still healing in this area and I can't begin to put into words how damaging it has been to me, how desperately hurt and betrayed I have been.

We step carefully on these forums when we deal with religion; it is necessary. We do not name the God we worship or the system of theology we may believe. So, I do not speak of them. Even so I urge you to continue to get help so that eventually you can sort out what was truth, throw out what was wrong or false and end up with spiritual health and joy.

We feel very sad and angry that you were hurt in such a way that you may actually fear the One who can help and heal the most.