Recovering from Religious Abuse 

11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom for the religiously wounded

 Quite often we find that a religious abuse scandal has been splashed across the headlines. From the torment Elizabeth Smart endured during her capture by religious zealot Brian David Mitchell, to the allegations about Atlanta Bishop Eddie Long, it is no secret that religious abuse exists in the United States. However, there are many people who still internalize their abuse because it is a subject that religious leaders have historically refused to acknowledge. But even if the situation hasn’t made headlines, it doesn’t make it any less real or significant.

As Jack Watts proclaims in his new book, Recovering from Religious Abuse (Howard Books, February 2011), “Even if you consider your abuse to be minor, it still needs to be addressed.”

After being the victim of religious abuse himself and recognizing that millions of people have been wounded by religion, Watts has created a much needed recovery program in Recovering from Religious Abuse. Addressing those hurt by others in the church—psychologically, financially, or emotionally—Watts offers help for coming to terms with abuse, while also reconnecting with God in a rich, healing way—a way that restores purpose and meaning to life.

As a child and a young man, the author experienced multiple expressions of religious abuse, which led to self-destructive behaviors that nearly ruined his life. Through programs such as AA and the support of loving Christians, he has made significant progress toward recovery. However, Watts found that the particular effects of religious abuse needed a program far beyond what he had experienced, which led him to the creation of this 11-step program leading to spiritual freedom.

In Recovering from Religious Abuse, Watts provides a practical 11-step recovery program separated by weeks and days to include daily readings, prayer, journaling guidance, and Scriptures for reflection—all of which guide readers through a journey of understanding, healing, and lasting recovery. Topics include:

• Progress, not perfection

• Becoming who you really are

• The negative power of self-pity

• Repairing your relationship with God

• The purpose behind the pain