Christian Religious Addiction in Hawaii
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Society -> subcategory Religion.
Exploring Christian Religious Addiction in Hawaii
Religion and spirituality are central elements in the lives of many people. According to a Gallup survey (1989), 53% of Americans deemed religion very important, while 31% regarded it as fairly important. These spiritual dimensions influence human experiences, beliefs, and behaviors significantly (Browning et al., 1990; James, 1961; Krippner and Welch, 1992).
However, some individuals face challenges related to their faith. The American Psychological Association found that one in six clients reported religious or spiritual issues (Shafranske and Maloney, 1990), and 29% of psychologists considered these issues critical in treating many clients (Bergin and Jensen, 1990). Psychotherapy has proven to be an effective tool in resolving these conflicts (Robinson, 1986).
Recognizing Religious Addiction
Religious challenges can be as varied as mental health issues. One notable concern involves individuals deepening their adherence to religious practices (Lukoff, Lu, and Turner, 1992). Traditionally linked to medical problems, addiction now encompasses behaviors beyond substance use. Addiction is seen as a compulsive state impacting an individual's will and desires (May, 1988; Shaef, 1987), with categories including both substance and process addictions, such as religion.
While research on religious addiction is sparse, older studies suggest that religious individuals may develop dependencies seeking social approval. Religious addiction might be characterized by an attachment that diminishes appreciation for other life aspects (Peele and Brodsky, 1975).
Defining Religious Addiction
Arterburn and Felton (1992) describe religious addiction as excessive devotion leading to a pathological dependency overshadowing one’s relationship with God. Vaughan (1991) notes a shadow side of spirituality, where people seek escape from real issues, while McKenzie (1991) sees addiction as a corrupt pursuit of transcendence.
Insights from Cults and Scandals
Research historically focused on cults, with membership estimates reaching millions (Allen and Metoyer, 1988). Margaret Singer, Ph.D., describes cults as structures centered on a singular authority figure (Collins & Frantz, 1994). Events like the Jim Jones mass suicide and Branch Davidian tragedy highlight the destructive potential of unchecked religious fervor.
More recently, traditional church members began addressing compulsive behaviors and harmful beliefs, spurred by scandals involving televangelists like Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart. These incidents prompted national discussions on religious addiction and abuse.
The Hawaii Study
During this era, I had the opportunity to explore religious addiction in Hawaii as part of my doctoral research in clinical psychology. Studying the symptoms and characteristics of religious addiction led me to conclude that intense faith doesn’t equate to addiction. Many experience healthy spirituality where obedience to God coexists with personal freedom and expression.
Interestingly, I discovered that self-appointed church leaders in Hawaii identified more with addictive religious practices compared to their counterparts.
Conclusion
Religious addiction deserves continued attention and discussion. Recognizing and understanding the line between fervent faith and addiction can help individuals maintain a balanced spiritual life.
For more information, see my work on Hawaii and Christian Religious Addiction at Universal Publishers and Addictions Recovery Management Services.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Christian Religious Addiction in Hawaii .
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