Doctrine over Personhood

When church teachings matter more than your actual story, feelings, or needs

• You were told to stay in a harmful marriage because divorce was a sin.

• You were ignored or silenced when your identity didn’t fit the church’s rules.

• You felt like your pain didn’t matter if it didn’t match their beliefs.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• A sense of worth may become linked to conformity rather than selfhood.

• Believing one’s own needs and voice matter may become difficult.

• Deep confusion or shame around identity may take root.