Have you ever come across practices or teachings in a church that left you bewildered or questioning their validity? Well, I certainly have. My experiences within the church community have been far from conventional, often bordering on the bizarre. In my journey, I’ve encountered rituals and teachings that have left lasting impressions, some of which I recount in my book “S.H.I.T. Happens in Church”. Continue reading this article to learn about the crazy teachings and rituals that I’ve come across during my time within the church.
One of the most peculiar teachings I encountered was the belief that Christians could be possessed by demons. I vividly recall an incident involving a rather unusual ritual where we were handed brown paper bags for a so-called purging ceremony. I was initially skeptical, deeming the act as mere foolishness. However, driven by the fear of reprisal, I reluctantly participated, albeit with a mere spit of mucus in the bag. Surprisingly, this seemingly innocent act elicited a violent reaction from my then-husband, suggesting an inner turmoil that I couldn’t ignore.
Another instance that comes to mind was during a revival led by a visiting bishop. As the prayer line grew, the bishop had individuals whisper something in his ear before he laid hands on them for deliverance. I recall a lady in the line with notably large breasts. Despite her appropriate attire, her physical attributes seemed to draw the bishop’s attention. I do not know exactly what she told him, but the bishop himself created a completely new issue by grabbing, massaging, and squeezing her breasts. Yes, folks, it happened while she was at the peak of the ramp. When he took the liberty to squeeze her big jugs together and started rebuking her infirmity with both his hands full of those firm melons, she looked like she had been robbed at gunpoint and was looking into the barrel of her spiritual perpetrator—the guest speaker of this revival.
These teachings and rituals had a profound impact on the congregation members. Many of us were left feeling contaminated and brainwashed, living in fear of the leadership’s reprimands. The bishop’s public humiliation tactics created an atmosphere of intimidation, where disobeying him was equated to defying God. The fear we experienced wasn’t rooted in respect, but rather in the threat of potential damnation, an environment that fostered unquestioning compliance.
It is intriguing to consider what drives church leaders and congregations to embrace such extreme or unconventional beliefs and rituals. Perhaps it’s a combination of a thirst for power and a misinterpretation of religious texts, leading to the manipulation of their followers in the name of Christianity.
When faced with criticism from outsiders, individuals within these church communities often resort to rationalizing or defending these teachings and rituals, citing their faith in the divine authority of the church leaders. Such responses often stem from a deeply ingrained belief in the sanctity of the church and the fear of straying from its teachings which don’t align with the Bible.
To those who might encounter similar teachings or rituals in their own church communities, I urge you to remember that God is not accountable for the actions of flawed individuals. Take the necessary time to heal and seek solace in the fact that your experiences are not a reflection of your relationship with the Almighty.
Let my book serve as a guiding light, offering a pathway to recovery from the trauma and hurt experienced within the walls of a place of worship. Remember that the essence of attending church is to foster fellowship with fellow believers, not to place unwavering trust in fallible human leaders.
