Recognize

Step One talks about the need to recognize we have been hurt, disappointed, or abused by religion or the religious. At first glance, this would seem to be obvious. Either we were, or we were not. How can there be any question? Some people, however, do not recognize the need for recovery.

Many people have only known one religion and only one path to The Divine. Their friends might be able to recognize the hurts, disappointments, or even abuses they can’t seem to see due to the fact they have allowed their eyes to be blinded to the faults of their religion and its leaders. If, or when, abuses come, they are quick to make excuses to justify the behavior of those who did not act out of loving-kindness — those who chose instead to overstep their power.

Many people who have been involved in what some would label a cult, have trouble leaving because they fail to recognize the damage that’s being done in the name of religion. They don’t know any other way, and in fact, they are taught that there is no other way. Step One is the launching point to healing. When we aren’t aware of our hurts, we don’t sense the need for healing.