Signs that one may be a Religion Addict
You can look out for a few signs in your loved ones or even yourself. See if you have crossed the line from a devoted Christian to a Religion Addict.
First, do you avoid responsibilities? Using resources meant for family upkeep or school fees for religious purposes. Or spending time meant for work or parenting for the same.
Being obsessed with rules is another sign, in every institution there are set guidelines stipulated and when one follows them without question or is preoccupied with them, what could be sin and what is 'righteous'? Settings rules like starving one to death are unrealistic and should be questioned and even avoided. Don't scriptures tell us to question and we'd be answered, call us to reason?
In a healthy church environment, rules only make the congregation better, morally upright and avoid trouble with the law.
When a person becomes detached from the real world, turns their entire existence into spirituality and grossly misinterprets everything happening around them, they could be addicted. Some teachings like not being driven by material gain could be extreme. Like children refusing to go to school claiming it is devilish.
When a person gives or 'tithes' to the extent they go bankrupt or are unable to cater for essentials could be dealing with religious addiction. They could be doing it out of their addiction but some religious leaders have been marked notorious for manipulating the congregation to give more for their own selfish gains. Look out for consequential financial strains.
How to help a loved one:
Talking someone out of addiction rarely works, reasoning with a fanatic is futile. A shining ember of it could be the words of B.F Skinner, An American Psychologist. He premised that any behaviour learnt can be unlearnt.
Be a mirror, show don't tell, show them how their addiction is ruining their lives. Show them how neglecting their families is affecting them. Help them strive for a healthy relationship with God. Show them it is ungodly it is to keep at it, as far as I know, there are scriptures to back it up!
Eve Waruingi is a counselling psychologist