Monday, June 17, 2013

Shame 10-Religion

We continue our 12-part series on shame, based on Brene′ Brown’s book, Daring Greatly. 


Publication days:  Monday – Wednesday - Friday

Each week we are introducing each blog with this quote from Brene′.

“People often want to believe that shame is reserved for people who have survived an unspeakable trauma, but this is not true.  Shame is something we all experience.  And while it feels as if shame hides in our darkest corners, it actually tends to lurk in all of the familiar places. 

Today’s Topic …

Religion and Shame

We have just opened a huge can of worms with this topic.  Having grown up in the conservative south in a fundamental evangelical church I saw shame used extensively as a weapon to corral the sinner, correct the wayward and attempt to bring change in the worst of mankind. 

In my opinion, much of it was man’s agenda to control and possess.  It missed the mark of the God in the Bible that I have come to understand. 

One of the tools in the arsenal of power mongers is to control the masses.  The best way to accomplish this is through shame, and especially if you are prompted to confess your sins in an unsafe environment full of people with whom you don’t have a personal connection.

Shame is a form of mind control and a huge weapon often used to control followers.  Once an individual gives his/her mind and decision making ability over to another or a group, trouble gains an entrance.  That usually is the first sign of a cult at work, and that cult wants you to bow and scrape before them, give them total, unyielding allegiance, and never again think for yourself. 

Religions in a variety of stripes are very effective and also the worst offenders in using this weapon.  Their mantra runs something like this:  “Don’t you dare step out of line, and if you do, there will be hell to pay.  You will do penance, you will tell your sins to the world and we will stigmatize you for the rest of your life if you dare cross that line of “sin” whatever that sin may be.” 

I recently watched The Scarlet Letter.  Hester’s shame was that she had to wear the scarlet letter “A” on her person at all times, and for a period of time she had a drummer boy follow her everywhere she went in the public market place to call attention to her “shame”.

I can’t think of one single instance in the scriptures in which God uses shame as a punishment.  I do see examples of grace and mercy being extended. 

The Woman Caught in Adultery
Christ’s words were “Neither do I condemn you.  Go and sin no more.  



The Prodigal Son
The father ran to him, with hugs and kisses, the best robe, and a banquet.  That doesn’t sound like shaming to me. 


Zacchaeus, the Crooked Tax Collector
After his encounter with Jesus, he gave back what he had taken illegally.  Sometimes he doubled the amount.

Shame and God just do not go together when I consider the many encounters we read about between the Christ and a “sinner”.  Christ, the son of God, continually offered grace and redemption, not shame, and certainly not rejection. 

Are you burdened down with shame over some religious experience from your past?  Listen very carefully.  There is help for you.  It begins with reconstructing your image of God and the kind of relationship He wants to have with you.  You are His child, made in His image.  He knows your name, and your proclivities.  This God stands ready to walk with you in every circumstance, through every trial and around every bend in the road. 

I’m including two links to some insightful articles you might like, and also, if there is one book that I could offer you, it is
this one.  Brennan speaks to today’s man and woman of the great God of grace, mercy and love.  As he says, “God not only loves you, he likes you a lot.  As a matter of fact.  God is very fond of you.”

Does that sound like a God who is out to shame you? 

Shame?  No.

Great love?  YES!


P Michael Biggs
Offering Hope
Encouragement Inspiration
One Word at a Time

Two on-line links for further reading 

  


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