July 5: Day 5

We recognize we have been hurt, disappointed, or abused by religion or the religious. -Step One Continued
 
Instruction: Set your course.

Having recognized at least some of the religious abuse in our lives, we set our course for healing and recovery. We no longer have to accept guilt and shame as a way of life. We can take control of our spiritual journey and determine to live without religious abuse. The steps we take cannot be determined by a specific set of rules or dogma but must be guided by our hearts and our heads.

Some may want to choose a complete departure from all things religious—at least for a time. That is not a decision Religious Recovery would try to push on anyone. It must be a personal choice, not a policy. After all, we are not opposed to religion, but we do know that not all religions, or divisions of religions, promote the same basic spiritual qualities that we find foundational to the spiritual path, such as love, compassion, forgiveness, peace, and so on. Our suggestion to each person is to set their own course through listening to the guidance of the head and the heart and then trust themselves and the Universe to bring about the healing in its own way and in its own time.
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Even though this book is considered a student guide or manual, Religious Recovery understands that we are not the final authority, and that our advice is simply that—advice. As other healing traditions say: Take what you like and leave the rest. You are the master of your spiritual ship. Take a few moments today to “Set your own course.” Small steps are recommended such as considering a doctrine or belief that never resonated with your heart and determine if you want to hold onto it or let it go.