Questions & Answers
Question:
Does Religious Recovery focus on breaking away from religion or does it try to guide the individual into a different path that might lead to a better relationship with God [The Divine]?
Answer:
Religious Recovery allows individuals to decide what is best for each of them. For some, it may be a complete break with religion and all things religious. Some may choose to find a spiritual path of their own choosing. Some may choose to remain on the same path as before or a similar path.
Like many other self-help programs, we share our wisdom, courage and hope in a warm caring environment, and always with the understanding to take what resonates with your spirit and leave the rest.
Question:
What are the requirements of those who attend?
Answer:
We welcome individuals of any faith--or no faith--who have been hurt, disappointed, or abused by religion and who want to move past the hurts to healing, wholeness, and spiritual growth. Our invitation extends to religious leaders as long as you come for healing and not to promote your own agenda. We request you attend in regular attire and that you leave all religious titles at home. We do not want anyone to feel uncomfortable or intimidated.
Question:
Does everyone have to talk at the meetings?
Answer:
No. People heal at different speeds. Some jump right in and share their stories. Others, especially introverts, may wait and listen--sometimes for weeks--before they feel comfortable enough to speak. Move at your own pace, and if you never feel comfortable enough to speak at a meeting, that's all right, too.
Question:
What can I expect to gain from attending a Religious Recovery meeting?
Answer:
Understanding, hope, and comfort in a safe environment. Stories from others who have struggled with religious abuse, and the opportunity to share your story. Healing is a natural result of working the steps. You can also expect that no one will judge you.
Question:
You talk about a spiritual path and a religious path. What's the difference?
Answer:
In our discussions, religion refers to the traditional institutions--churches, synagoges, temples--that have set up guidelines for life that usually include worship rituals and a moral code. When we speak of a spiritual path we refer to a Divine connection of the individual to what he or she considers to be their Higher Power. A person can follow a religious path and be spiritual, too. They don't have to be exclusive.
Question:
What if someone disagrees with something I say?
Answer:
There is always a possibility that someone will break the guidelines and speak inappropriately, but we stress the need to speak from first person experience and not to give advice to another.
The concept of "No Cross Talk" is emphasized at our meetings, and cross talk includes body language as well as verbal communication. People make mistakes, and if someone speaks inappropriately, the moderator will address it as needed. A good moderator protects all those in attendance.
Question:
Why all the fuss about anonymity? May I share my real name?
Answer:
Anonymity helps promote a safe environment. Many people share their first name only. Some use initials or a pen name. The choice is yours. After a meeting, people often form friendships, and that is a more appropriate time to divulge personal information. But only if you feel it is safe.
Question:
Are Religious Recovery meetings based on a similar program like A.A. or Al Anon?
Answer:
Yes, we are loosely based on the 12-step programs that have proved to be effective over many years. Our steps are different, and we have 13 instead of 12, but we (Patrick and Wayne) were acquainted with the 12-step concept and format and felt it would adapt nicely to the work we do.
Question:
Do I have to work the steps in order?
Answer:
No. You don't have to work them in any order, or at all. The concept will come easily to some. Others may need to be more conscientious about working each step.
Question:
Is there a fee to join Religious Recovery?
Answer: There is no charge for attending meetings. We do accept donations at the meetings and the money goes to cover expenses such as rent, publications, and promotion. If you can't afford to donate, we still want you to come and find healing.
Question:
Are you a non-profit organization? Are donations tax deductible?
Answer:
On October 22, 2014 we applied for 501(c)3 [nonprofit] status and we anticipate an answer within the next 2-4 months.
Question:
Does Religious Recovery focus on breaking away from religion or does it try to guide the individual into a different path that might lead to a better relationship with God [The Divine]?
Answer:
Religious Recovery allows individuals to decide what is best for each of them. For some, it may be a complete break with religion and all things religious. Some may choose to find a spiritual path of their own choosing. Some may choose to remain on the same path as before or a similar path.
Like many other self-help programs, we share our wisdom, courage and hope in a warm caring environment, and always with the understanding to take what resonates with your spirit and leave the rest.
Question:
What are the requirements of those who attend?
Answer:
We welcome individuals of any faith--or no faith--who have been hurt, disappointed, or abused by religion and who want to move past the hurts to healing, wholeness, and spiritual growth. Our invitation extends to religious leaders as long as you come for healing and not to promote your own agenda. We request you attend in regular attire and that you leave all religious titles at home. We do not want anyone to feel uncomfortable or intimidated.
Question:
Does everyone have to talk at the meetings?
Answer:
No. People heal at different speeds. Some jump right in and share their stories. Others, especially introverts, may wait and listen--sometimes for weeks--before they feel comfortable enough to speak. Move at your own pace, and if you never feel comfortable enough to speak at a meeting, that's all right, too.
Question:
What can I expect to gain from attending a Religious Recovery meeting?
Answer:
Understanding, hope, and comfort in a safe environment. Stories from others who have struggled with religious abuse, and the opportunity to share your story. Healing is a natural result of working the steps. You can also expect that no one will judge you.
Question:
You talk about a spiritual path and a religious path. What's the difference?
Answer:
In our discussions, religion refers to the traditional institutions--churches, synagoges, temples--that have set up guidelines for life that usually include worship rituals and a moral code. When we speak of a spiritual path we refer to a Divine connection of the individual to what he or she considers to be their Higher Power. A person can follow a religious path and be spiritual, too. They don't have to be exclusive.
Question:
What if someone disagrees with something I say?
Answer:
There is always a possibility that someone will break the guidelines and speak inappropriately, but we stress the need to speak from first person experience and not to give advice to another.
The concept of "No Cross Talk" is emphasized at our meetings, and cross talk includes body language as well as verbal communication. People make mistakes, and if someone speaks inappropriately, the moderator will address it as needed. A good moderator protects all those in attendance.
Question:
Why all the fuss about anonymity? May I share my real name?
Answer:
Anonymity helps promote a safe environment. Many people share their first name only. Some use initials or a pen name. The choice is yours. After a meeting, people often form friendships, and that is a more appropriate time to divulge personal information. But only if you feel it is safe.
Question:
Are Religious Recovery meetings based on a similar program like A.A. or Al Anon?
Answer:
Yes, we are loosely based on the 12-step programs that have proved to be effective over many years. Our steps are different, and we have 13 instead of 12, but we (Patrick and Wayne) were acquainted with the 12-step concept and format and felt it would adapt nicely to the work we do.
Question:
Do I have to work the steps in order?
Answer:
No. You don't have to work them in any order, or at all. The concept will come easily to some. Others may need to be more conscientious about working each step.
Question:
Is there a fee to join Religious Recovery?
Answer: There is no charge for attending meetings. We do accept donations at the meetings and the money goes to cover expenses such as rent, publications, and promotion. If you can't afford to donate, we still want you to come and find healing.
Question:
Are you a non-profit organization? Are donations tax deductible?
Answer:
On October 22, 2014 we applied for 501(c)3 [nonprofit] status and we anticipate an answer within the next 2-4 months.
