But liberating to many who were brought up in controlling environments. Especially when religion was used as a method of control.
I'm so, so sorry about your experience. If that was the case, I completely understand why leaving religion in the dust felt like a breath of fresh air.
Some religious groups are just extremely toxic. I try to stay away from the word cult, because it seems like everyone has a different definition of the word. What I'm describing are religious groups that tear you down rather than build you up. And yes, extreme control is one of the major hallmarks of these toxic faiths. I don't want to do a big long post of all the signs of such a group, but isolating members from their families and friends, inability to tolerate questions, and use of fear are on top of the list. These groups cause tremendous psychological damage.
What is so sad, so incredibly sad, is that these perversions of religion taint the perception of religion in general, which is actually a really good thing. I don't think it's fair to give religion a bad rap simply because a minority are so destructive.
Religion serves a long list of purposes, all of which are very, very good. Participation in a religious community means that a person is more likely to be healthier, happier, longer lived, and have a buffer against anxiety and depression. Where a toxic faith creates fear and oppression, a healthy religion provides security and safety, acceptance, care in times of trouble, support for sticking to an ethical framework, the feeling of being loved, and the ability to see meaning in life.
If religion doesn't work for you, that's okay. But I hope that you can at least form an intellectual appreciation for religion in general, despite the exceptions to the rule.
