Internalized Religious Shame & Oppression

Religious Oppression is the abuse of power by the patriarchy, capitalists, organizations or individuals--done in the name of God---as a way to tyrannize, marginalize, persecute, torture or kill individuals who threaten systems of power, or who challenge authority, societal norms, or white comfort.

I believe it is the right of each individual to find their own spiritual path, and many find their peace within religion. I fully support that.

However, the dark side of religion is religious tyranny. For millenia, oppression, colonialization, and genocide have been carried out in the name of religion. I believe this is the greatest evil that exists on Earth.

Colonialization has stripped indigenous and minority people of their rituals, sacred texts, and land, under the heinous excuse that they are "primitive", "barbaric", or "devil-worshipping". Religious tyranny has robbed women and gender/sexual nonconforming individuals of their sovereignty, of the rights to decide how to use, protect, and express their bodies.

I am speaking out against this today because for too long I have suffered from internalized religious shame, believing that if I deviate from the socially-accepted forms of expression or worship, then I am dirty, evil, sinful, and the worst pain of all---rejected by God.

It has taken me a long time to heal this wound. I have finally realized this truth in the core of my being: I need not seek God's approval, nor should I fear His rejection, because He loves me deeply. I am an extension of God, and She could no sooner reject me than she could reject Herself.

And so...

I do not subscribe to the belief that there is only One Truth. I respect the religious and non-religious alike.

I do NOT subscribe to the belief that those who believe differently are "wrong" and are going to Hell.

I do not subscribe to the belief that pagans, shamans, energy workers, witches---people who honor the Earth and practice her rituals---are evil devil worshippers.

I do not subscribe to the belief that every word written in a holy text is absolute truth. Sacred texts are channeled through humans, and humans are deeply flawed.

Many of us are walking around with internalized religious shame, even as we struggle to fully embrace and accept ourselves and our beliefs.

Many of our fellow humans---the indigenous, the marginalized, minorities, women, gender-nonconforming individuals---are still facing oppression in the name of religion.

This is our fight to take up. To reclaim ourselves, to reclaim the right to practice spirituality as we choose, to protect those who are still being victimized and demonized.

This is not an easy path, but it is an ethical one. If we wish to stay connected to Spirit and to all that is Holy, we must remember and protect our shared humanity.

To be the embodiment of love is the Ultimate spiritual path ✨❤✨