Religion and Recovery
April 20, 2008 by angelique
Filed under Women's Health
For many people, religion is comforting; for others, it’s suffocating. For me, it’s somewhere in between.
Though my recovery (or path to it) was not precipitated nor assisted by spirituality, I can see where it might be helpful for some anorexics, bulimics and/or binge eaters.
In my mind, I imagine that a church or religious community could be a loving, forgiving environment in which to heal. I envision people embracing the eating disordered man or woman rather than condemning him or her for causing so much pain among family members and friends.
However, I’m not foolish enough to believe that all religions or sects are so nonjudgmental. I’m guessing some choose to shame the recovering individual by focusing on how “selfish” having an ED is (or appears to be.)
I’d like to know more about the role of religion in either your eating disorder or recovery (or that of a loved one.)
Any takers to begin the discussion?
In my personal experience…
Though many knew I was a recovering person (and had been for some time), once my soon to be ex-wife began talking about our divorce and what her side was, I became totally ostracized and as a result of that treatment I wouldn’t step foot back in that specific congregation ever again. It wasn’t something that should have been talked about, behind my back, the way it was, at all. But for them to react the way they did was the furthest I’d ever seen supposed Christians move from what they professed to be faith. It was truly disgusting.
Loving and forgiving? Not on your life – but – I’d seriously remember that it was only one specific group of people. To generalize it to be more than that would also be wrong, imho.
Mark:
That’s an excellent point. Not all religious communities or groups are so unforgiving and quick to judge.
I still haven’t found one that didn’t have serious flaws, however. But that doesn’t mean I’ll ever really stop looking.