SYMPTOMS OF RELIGIOUS ADDICTION
- Inability to think, doubt, or question information or authority
- Black-and-white, simplistic thinking
- Shame-based belief that you aren't good enough, or you aren't "doing it right"
- Magical thinking that God will fix you
- Scrupulosity: rigid, obsessive adherence to rules, codes of ethics, or guidelines
- Uncompromising, judgmental attitudes
- Compulsive praying, going to church or crusades, quoting scripture
- Unrealistic financial contributions
- Believing that sex is dirty -- that our bodies and physical pleasures are evil
- Compulsive eating or excessive fasting
- Conflict with science, medicine, and [secular] education
- Progressive detachment from the real world, isolation, breakdown of relationships
- Psychosomatic illness: sleeplessness, back pains, headaches, hypertension
- Manipulating scripture or texts, feeling chosen, claiming to receive special messages from God
- Trancelike state or religious high, wearing a glazed happy face
- Cries for help; mental, emotional, physical breakdown; hospitalization
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