Spiritual Fawning

Trying to stay safe or accepted in a religious setting by pleasing leaders or agreeing with beliefs, even when you don’t agree

• You pretended to believe something just to avoid conflict.

• You went along with harmful teachings to feel accepted.

• You said what others wanted to hear, even when it hurt you.

Potential clinical implications (especially in high control settings)

• Patterns of people-pleasing and loss of personal identity may develop.

• Anxiety and shame can arise from a lack of authenticity.

• Growth may involve learning to use one’s voice and set healthy boundaries.