{"id":7825,"date":"2025-05-20T19:34:54","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T17:34:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/?page_id=7825"},"modified":"2025-08-04T21:38:16","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T19:38:16","slug":"spiritueller-missbrauch-2","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/glaubens-gedanken\/spiritueller-missbrauch-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Spiritual Abuse"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id='full_slider_1'  class='avia-fullwidth-slider main_color avia-shadow   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_section  avia-builder-el-first   container_wrap fullsize'  ><div  class='avia-slideshow av-mawsnq4i-a93bd204514fa253674e98df3217fa5b avia-slideshow-featured_large av_slideshow_full avia-slide-slider av-slideshow-ui av-control-default av-slideshow-manual av-loop-once av-loop-manual-endless av-default-height-applied   avia-slideshow-1' data-slideshow-options=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:false,&quot;loop_autoplay&quot;:&quot;once&quot;,&quot;interval&quot;:5,&quot;loop_manual&quot;:&quot;manual-endless&quot;,&quot;autoplay_stopper&quot;:false,&quot;noNavigation&quot;:false,&quot;bg_slider&quot;:false,&quot;keep_padding&quot;:false,&quot;hoverpause&quot;:false,&quot;show_slide_delay&quot;:0}\"  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><ul class='avia-slideshow-inner' style='padding-bottom: 42%;'><li  class='avia-slideshow-slide av-mawsnq4i-a93bd204514fa253674e98df3217fa5b__0  av-single-slide slide-1 slide-odd'><div data-rel='slideshow-1' class='avia-slide-wrap'   ><div class='av-slideshow-caption av-mawsnq4i-a93bd204514fa253674e98df3217fa5b__0 caption_fullwidth caption_left'><div class=\"container caption_container\"><div class=\"slideshow_caption\"><div class=\"slideshow_inner_caption\"><div class=\"slideshow_align_caption\"><h2 class='avia-caption-title'  itemprop=\"name\" >Spiritual Abuse<\/h2><div class='avia-caption-content'  itemprop=\"description\" ><p>subtle, yet deeply harmful<\/p>\n<\/div><a href='#Wille'  class='avia-slideshow-button avia-button avia-color-light avia-multi-slideshow-button' data-duration='800' data-easing='easeInOutQuad'>Giving up your own will? No thanks!<\/a><a href='#Missbrauchselbst'  class='avia-slideshow-button avia-button avia-color-light avia-multi-slideshow-button avia-slideshow-button-2' data-duration='800' data-easing='easeInOutQuad'>spiritual abuse of oneself<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"wp-image-7837 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-7837\"  src=\"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/677659Engel-weint-1500x630-1.jpg\" width=\"1500\" height=\"630\" title='677659Angel crying 1500x630' alt=''  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\"  style='min-height:300px; min-width:715px; ' srcset=\"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/677659Engel-weint-1500x630-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/677659Engel-weint-1500x630-1-300x126.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/677659Engel-weint-1500x630-1-1030x433.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/677659Engel-weint-1500x630-1-768x323.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/677659Engel-weint-1500x630-1-705x296.jpg 705w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/677659Engel-weint-1500x630-1-450x189.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7cbrrl-d569e64c28a6f3cfe0d8f2bbdc36a671\">\n.avia-section.av-7cbrrl-d569e64c28a6f3cfe0d8f2bbdc36a671{\nbackground-color:#f0fff0;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_1'  class='avia-section av-7cbrrl-d569e64c28a6f3cfe0d8f2bbdc36a671 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_slideshow_full  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-7825'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mazmhq5r-372d1e4e5fac79e1f2158598aeef09cc\">\n#top .hr.av-mazmhq5r-372d1e4e5fac79e1f2158598aeef09cc{\nmargin-top:10px;\nmargin-bottom:10px;\n}\n.hr.av-mazmhq5r-372d1e4e5fac79e1f2158598aeef09cc .hr-inner{\nwidth:50px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='hr av-mazmhq5r-372d1e4e5fac79e1f2158598aeef09cc hr-custom  avia-builder-el-2  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  hr-center hr-icon-no'><span class='hr-inner inner-border-av-border-none'><span class=\"hr-inner-style\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-3r7a35-cd85db950d8fea20657622cd6ed2d9d7 sc-av_one_half av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-3r7a35-cd85db950d8fea20657622cd6ed2d9d7\">\n.flex_column.av-3r7a35-cd85db950d8fea20657622cd6ed2d9d7{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:30px 30px 30px 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-3r7a35-cd85db950d8fea20657622cd6ed2d9d7 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-3  el_after_av_hr  el_before_av_one_half  first flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-middle'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-ko60fjon-6b4271b59a9bf387c50c6d295f814675\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-ko60fjon-6b4271b59a9bf387c50c6d295f814675 .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#000000;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-ko60fjon-6b4271b59a9bf387c50c6d295f814675'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2>Spiritual abuse \u2013 subtle and dangerous \u2013 more widespread than many think\u2026<\/h2>\n<p><!--StartFragment -->Any form of abuse or violence violates fundamental human rights. We know how serious the effects of sexual violence, in particular, can be on a person&#039;s mind and body.<br \/>\n<strong>Any form of violence in a church or spiritual context is always spiritual abuse.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Theologian and supervisor Hannah Schulz writes:<br \/>\n<em>&quot;In a narrower sense, I define spiritual abuse as a more or less blatant, persistent manipulation, oppression, and exploitation of others &quot;in the name of God&quot; in order to make them submissive to achieve one&#039;s own purposes and goals\u2014regardless of whether the person acting in this way is aware of it. This occurs through disproportionate emotional dependence and mental manipulation, in which Christian teachings, values, and concepts are distorted to support claims to power.&quot;<\/em> (from: <strong>Durch Nebel hindurch<\/strong>)<\/p>\n<p><!--EndFragment --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><div class='av-flex-placeholder'><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2b0mwx-9f29eec14d2da64e527f97ba7c4b54b6\">\n.flex_column.av-2b0mwx-9f29eec14d2da64e527f97ba7c4b54b6{\nborder-width:2px;\nborder-color:#005730;\nborder-style:solid;\nborder-radius:10px 10px 10px 10px;\npadding:60px 60px 60px 60px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-2b0mwx-9f29eec14d2da64e527f97ba7c4b54b6 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-5  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-middle'     ><p>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-mazla2ew-f584486613e673bea97801b7dfd2d29c\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-mazla2ew-f584486613e673bea97801b7dfd2d29c .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#000000;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-mazla2ew-f584486613e673bea97801b7dfd2d29c'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\">If you are experiencing clerical or spiritual abuse\u2014whether in a church, a non-denominational church, or another religious community\u2014get help. You are not alone.<\/h3>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you're affected, you may feel self-doubt, shame, deep insecurity, or pain. Reach out.  Get help. You're not alone.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">You can contact us \u2013 or <strong>Hannah Schulz<\/strong>, a Catholic theologian who has been dealing with spiritual boundary violations for years. She has supervision experience and accompanies those affected on their journey.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>There are also contact points in other countries, mostly for sexual violence in churches, but also for spiritual violence.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Examples for help in English -speaking countries - it may be a start for you<\/strong><br \/>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c6411a\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c6411a\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c6411a\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c6411a\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <br \/>\n<strong>United Kingdom:<\/strong><br \/>\n\u2022 Spiritual Crisis Network - spiritualcrisisnetwork.com<br \/>\n\u2022Replenished Life - https:\/\/www.methodist.org.uk\/safeguarding\/spiritual-abuse\/ <a href=\"https:\/\/missbrauchsmuster.de\/anlaufstellen\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">missbrauchsmuster.de\/anlaufstellen<\/a><br \/>\n\u2022 survivors Voices - https:\/\/survivorsvoices.org\/faith-and-abuse\u2013 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gottes-suche.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gottes-suche.de<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Irland<\/strong><br \/>\n- Towards Peace - https:\/\/towardspeace.ie    \n-  Spirasi - https:\/\/spiritan.ie\/spirasi<br \/>\n\u2022<a href=\"https:\/\/www.opfer-schutz.at\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Independent Victim Protection Office<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>United States of America<\/strong><br \/>\n\u2022 Tears of Eden: https:\/\/tersofeden.org      \n- Sacred Wilderness - https\/sacredwilderness.org <a href=\"https:\/\/geistlicher-missbrauch.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">spiritual-abuse.ch<\/a><br \/>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/p>\n<p>.<\/p>\n<p><!--EndFragment --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><br \/>\n<div  class='avia-buttonrow-wrap av-mazle9wk-0345c1610a7ff4687115492c62aeb602 avia-buttonrow-center  avia-builder-el-7  el_after_av_textblock  avia-builder-el-last'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-3mltap-48c03de032b2f58ad076ac2893cdea94\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-3mltap-48c03de032b2f58ad076ac2893cdea94{\nbackground-color:#005730;\nborder-color:#005730;\ncolor:#ffffff;\ntransition:all 0.4s ease-in-out;\nmargin-bottom:20px;\nmargin-right:10px;\nmargin-left:10px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-3mltap-48c03de032b2f58ad076ac2893cdea94 .avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nfill:#ffffff;\nstroke:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/kontakt\/\" class=\"avia-button av-3mltap-48c03de032b2f58ad076ac2893cdea94 avia-icon_select-no avia-size-large\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Contact God in everyday life\"><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Contact God in everyday life<\/span><\/a>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-20zhdd-a081dd2d3406d19dd3beb24fb75b359e\">\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-20zhdd-a081dd2d3406d19dd3beb24fb75b359e{\nbackground-color:#009700;\nborder-color:#009700;\ncolor:#ffffff;\ntransition:all 0.4s ease-in-out;\nmargin-bottom:20px;\nmargin-right:10px;\nmargin-left:10px;\n}\n#top #wrap_all .avia-button.av-20zhdd-a081dd2d3406d19dd3beb24fb75b359e .avia-svg-icon svg:first-child{\nfill:#ffffff;\nstroke:#ffffff;\n}\n<\/style>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/sinnvoll-supervision.de\/\" class=\"avia-button av-20zhdd-a081dd2d3406d19dd3beb24fb75b359e avia-icon_select-no avia-size-large\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" aria-label=\"Hannah Schulz\"><span class='avia_iconbox_title' >Hannah Schulz<\/span><\/a>\n<\/div><\/p><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 --><\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7cbrrl-11-9ac106478c236c9062a7e8f7077b85e0\">\n.avia-section.av-7cbrrl-11-9ac106478c236c9062a7e8f7077b85e0{\nbackground-color:#003300;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_2'  class='avia-section av-7cbrrl-11-9ac106478c236c9062a7e8f7077b85e0 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-8  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-7825'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-3r7a35-10-16b2b7dc81ef0d19cffecc4488f29c1b sc-av_one_half av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" 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data-slideshow-options=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:false,&quot;loop_autoplay&quot;:&quot;once&quot;,&quot;interval&quot;:5,&quot;loop_manual&quot;:&quot;manual-endless&quot;,&quot;autoplay_stopper&quot;:false,&quot;noNavigation&quot;:false,&quot;bg_slider&quot;:false,&quot;keep_padding&quot;:false,&quot;hoverpause&quot;:false,&quot;show_slide_delay&quot;:0}\"  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><ul class='avia-slideshow-inner' style='padding-bottom: 66.7%;'><li  class='avia-slideshow-slide av-mawtsg9q-431bc282799c6d2e113ec53206a7209c__0  av-single-slide slide-1 slide-odd'><div data-rel='slideshow-2' class='avia-slide-wrap'   ><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"wp-image-7913 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-7913\"  src=\"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-scaled.jpg\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" title='broken cross dark green2 703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin J\u00e4ger_pixelio' alt=''  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-scaled.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-1030x687.jpg 1030w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-705x470.jpg 705w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/zerbrochenes-Kreuz-dunkelgruen2-703401_original_R_K_B_by_Martin-Jaeger_pixelio-450x300.jpg 450w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><div class='av-flex-placeholder'><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2b0mwx-9-d19199a6a53b9bef5bdd38a8f66574fe\">\n.flex_column.av-2b0mwx-9-d19199a6a53b9bef5bdd38a8f66574fe{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:30px 30px 30px 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-2b0mwx-9-d19199a6a53b9bef5bdd38a8f66574fe av_one_half  avia-builder-el-11  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-middle'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2jj95-fbaa62d05ab94f846d4018d4a1eb10d1\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-2jj95-fbaa62d05ab94f846d4018d4a1eb10d1 .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#f0fff0;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-2jj95-fbaa62d05ab94f846d4018d4a1eb10d1'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<h2>Spiritual abuse \u2013 difficult to recognize, deep impact<\/h2>\n<p>Spiritual abuse can occur on many levels. Spirituality is often a taboo subject\u2014and it&#039;s difficult to talk about one&#039;s own experiences or share questions. But that&#039;s precisely what&#039;s important. <strong>Talking about it can help you avoid becoming dependent or break free from it.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>What are the signs of a spiritually<\/strong> abusive<strong> Situation?<\/strong><\/h3>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c68a66\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c68a66\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c68a66\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c68a66\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                 It often begins with a desire for answers. It begins with a longing for connection. It begins with a community that seems open and welcoming. It begins with a teacher who seems to have an answer to all questions.<\/p>\n<p><!--StartFragment -->But when discomfort gradually sets in and is dismissed with sentences like: <em>\u201cYou\u2019re not ready yet\u201d<\/em> or e.g. <em>\u201cYou haven\u2019t fully surrendered yet\u201d<\/em> you may gradually lose your sens of self - and with it, your own way of encountering God. The advice or suggestions seem well-intentioned, given out of \"love,\" yet they leave you with a deep disturbing feeling.            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<p><strong>Spiritual abuse occurs on emotional, mental, social, and spiritual levels.<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3><strong>How do you recognize a<\/strong> dangerous<strong> Dynamic?<\/strong><\/h3>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c68b1b\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c68b1b\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c68b1b\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c68b1b\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                The answers given in communities, churches, spiritual circles, by teachers, guides, spiritual authorities of all kinds, or even by psychotherapists should always be critically examined\u2014and not just once. <a href=\"..\/glaubens-gedanken\/unterscheidung-der-geister\/\">(see Discernment of Spirits)<\/a> If they restrict you, make you unfree, and gradually lead to inner dependence\u2014if other perspectives are no longer accepted or dismissed as misguided\u2014then you may already be in a spiritually abusive situation. There are ways out of it. <strong>You&#039;re not alone. <\/strong>            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-hmdtt-b2fe84f5c4142bbea312e5f06842b03a\">\n.avia-section.av-hmdtt-b2fe84f5c4142bbea312e5f06842b03a{\nbackground-color:#f0fff0;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_3'  class='avia-section av-hmdtt-b2fe84f5c4142bbea312e5f06842b03a main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-13  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-7825'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n<div class='flex_column_table av-6f4n2p-2443adc02fe0ab4198c4b96ffac350a0 sc-av_one_half av-equal-height-column-flextable'>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-6f4n2p-2443adc02fe0ab4198c4b96ffac350a0\">\n.flex_column.av-6f4n2p-2443adc02fe0ab4198c4b96ffac350a0{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:30px 30px 30px 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-6f4n2p-2443adc02fe0ab4198c4b96ffac350a0 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-14  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-mazmjisl-e388e9bff4bdfa33a3f503972a284db5'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><h2 id=\"Wille\">How do people slip into situations where they are spiritually abused?<\/h2>\n<p>When faith is deeply rooted or someone has encountered God in a profound way, many are ready to give \u201ceverything\u201d \u2013 to fundamentally change their lives in order to pursue a new sense of purpose.<\/p>\n<h3><strong>In spiritually abusive groups, the seeker is taught that one must abandon one&#039;s own will in order for God&#039;s will to prevail. Or that one&#039;s own will comes only from the ego, and is therefore purely selfish.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c690f6\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c690f6\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c690f6\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c690f6\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                 Such assertions create inner conflict and confusion. Yes, God\u2019s will must be done\u2014but: <strong>Who truly knows God\u2019s will?<\/strong> When you give up your own will, the will of other people who believe they know better suddenly stands between you and God&#039;s will. Often, this supposed &quot;will of God&quot; is nothing more than the will of those who want to exercise power\u2014be it a master, a religious community, or a guru.             <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<h4><\/h4>\n<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Spiritual abuse involves challenging your own independent faith.<\/strong><\/h3>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c6913a\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c6913a\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c6913a\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c6913a\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <br \/>\nWhat the teacher says is considered God's will.\nQuestions and doubts are not tolerated or are belittled.\nBecause you don\u2019t understand or question the will of the community, you suddenly become sinful, wrong, or leave the narrow path to paradise.\nYou are \"not ready yet.\"\nThe judgments extend to the point where God is disappointed in you\u2014or you have even succumbed to the devil's temptations.\nAnd all criticism is disguised as concern for your salvation and presented as love             <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<h3>Faith is free \u2013 and no one may take it over<\/h3>\n<p><strong>The space between man and God is the most personal space there is. No one else, no other human being, has any business there. The relationship between man and God is unique and individual.<\/strong><br \/>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c691e9\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c691e9\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c691e9\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c691e9\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <br \/>\nThose who are aware of this can better protect themselves from spiritual abuse. However, many victims either never learned this or have unfortunately forgotten it over time:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You don&#039;t have to be part of a church or community to be close to God.<\/li>\n<li>No guru, no master, no church or religion in the world has a monopoly on the path to God.<\/li>\n<li><strong>God's Spirit blows where it wishes \u2013 <\/strong>not where people or institutions decide or determine it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>and again: the space between human being and God is free.<\/strong> There is only the divine mystery  ... and you \u2013 nothing else. <strong>No one else has the right to interfere. <\/strong>People can and should accompany you, and that's beautiful. But they have no place in this space. No one knows better than you and the divine secret of how this space should be filled.            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><div class='av-flex-placeholder'><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-6f4n2p-3-e39ba6a50ea206a1c6c40312fb38dffe\">\n.flex_column.av-6f4n2p-3-e39ba6a50ea206a1c6c40312fb38dffe{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:30px 30px 30px 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-6f4n2p-3-e39ba6a50ea206a1c6c40312fb38dffe av_one_half  avia-builder-el-16  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_table_cell av-equal-height-column av-align-top'     ><\/div><\/div><!--close column table wrapper. Autoclose: 1 -->\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7cbrrl-8-bcd2aa9fdbb243965216bbf6d1a9aa6d\">\n.avia-section.av-7cbrrl-8-bcd2aa9fdbb243965216bbf6d1a9aa6d{\nbackground-color:#003300;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_4'  class='avia-section av-7cbrrl-8-bcd2aa9fdbb243965216bbf6d1a9aa6d main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-17  el_after_av_section  el_before_av_section  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-7825'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-4fgozl-99da6e7b37a02af2d768ffc4a34ab79c\">\n.flex_column.av-4fgozl-99da6e7b37a02af2d768ffc4a34ab79c{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:30px 30px 30px 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-4fgozl-99da6e7b37a02af2d768ffc4a34ab79c av_one_half  avia-builder-el-18  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-4fgozl-1-34041d5026d41a25ff113493d9969e2c\">\n.flex_column.av-4fgozl-1-34041d5026d41a25ff113493d9969e2c{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:30px 30px 30px 30px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-4fgozl-1-34041d5026d41a25ff113493d9969e2c av_one_half  avia-builder-el-19  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div'     ><style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-34dqgx-605c15dbe52b2007327ce43d4fcabf6a\">\n#top .av_textblock_section.av-34dqgx-605c15dbe52b2007327ce43d4fcabf6a .avia_textblock{\ncolor:#f7fff7;\n}\n<\/style>\n<section  class='av_textblock_section av-34dqgx-605c15dbe52b2007327ce43d4fcabf6a'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock av_inherit_color'  itemprop=\"text\" ><blockquote>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h2>Why spiritual abuse by church officials is particularly serious<\/h2>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c69ac2\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c69ac2\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c69ac2\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c69ac2\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                 For many believers, church officials serve as points of reference in their faith\u2014they are supposed to embody spirituality, serve as role models, and fulfill the demands of the Christian faith themselves. But when these very people abuse their position, the damage is profound:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Trust breaks down not only in the perpetrator, but often also in the church as an institution \u2013 and in God himself.<\/li>\n<li>The faith that once gave support becomes a source of pain and desolation.<\/li>\n<li>For many, the church is not just a spiritual home, but an authority on Christian values and justice \u2013 when it allows or covers up abuse, it increases despair and lostness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This loss of trust is very difficult to heal. Spiritual abuse occurs not only in the Catholic Church but, unfortunately, just as frequently in the Protestant Church. The Church is not an organization of perpetrators\u2014yet it has long protected perpetrators and continues to struggle to live up to its responsibility.             <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<h4><\/h4>\n<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Why has abuse existed for so long?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>There are many reasons why abuse goes undetected for so long, especially in patriarchal, closed systems. It&#039;s a power issue. It&#039;s a men&#039;s issue. And it never has anything to do with love, care, or the divine mystery. <strong>The focus of attention must be on the victims \u2013 not on the perpetrators.<\/strong> Those who have survived abuse need protection, support, and healing. The perpetrator&#039;s motives for these actions are irrelevant.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<h3>Forgiveness may <strong>No one has the right to demand forgiveness from a survivor.<\/strong> be required.<\/h3>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c69b87\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c69b87\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c69b87\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c69b87\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                 Survivors are often confronted with phrases like:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>\u201cForgive me, then you\u2019ll feel better.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>\u201cIt\u2019s been so long, it has to be good.\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>\u201cDon\u2019t destroy the community, it was your teacher, father, stepfather, uncle\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>But the first step to healing is <strong>No one has the right to demand forgiveness from a survivor.<\/strong> forgiveness - it's the understanding that the situations experienced were <strong>unbearable, unfair and inhuman.<\/strong> It is an admission that abuse is a criminal act and requires consequences. However, punishment and forgiveness are not mutually exclusive. And: as a victim, you don't have to forgive to heal. Forgiveness is God's work. Listening and acknowledging the suffering are essential. If someone can't do that, they should remain silent rather than saying, \"You have to forgive.\" Instead, they should refer victims to competent people who can truly help.             <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        \n<h4><\/h4>\n<p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Spiritual Self-Determination \u2013 The Discernment of Spirits<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>Anyone embarking on a spiritual path should critically examine themselves and their surroundings. The spiritual path is never easy.<br \/>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c69c41\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c69c41\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c69c41\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c69c41\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <br \/>\n<strong>\u201cTest everything; keep what is good.\u201d<\/strong> <em>(1 Thessalonians 5:21)<\/em> Teachers, gurus, and communities must be tested. It&#039;s not enough to rely on a good feeling\u2014a critical mind is always necessary. Many believe that doubt is wrong. But that&#039;s not true.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Everyone is allowed to say NO.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Everyone is allowed to have doubts.<\/strong> (Luther said that doubt is part of faith.)<\/li>\n<li><strong>Everyone is allowed to go.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Breaking away from a religious community or institution does <strong>No one has the right to demand forgiveness from a survivor.<\/strong>mean abandoning God. Sometimes you even have to let go of a certain concept of God in order to find yourself\u2014to rediscover God. Doubt, saying no, the further development of faith: all of this is part of life's journey.             <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><!-- close content main div --><\/div><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-7cbrrl-2-1d0a8e36a15c005dc0ec89acbd5f90c2\">\n.avia-section.av-7cbrrl-2-1d0a8e36a15c005dc0ec89acbd5f90c2{\nbackground-color:#f0fff0;\nbackground-image:unset;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div id='av_section_5'  class='avia-section av-7cbrrl-2-1d0a8e36a15c005dc0ec89acbd5f90c2 main_color avia-section-default avia-no-border-styling  avia-builder-el-21  el_after_av_section  avia-builder-el-last  avia-bg-style-scroll container_wrap fullsize'  ><div class='container av-section-cont-open' ><div class='template-page content  av-content-full alpha units'><div class='post-entry post-entry-type-page post-entry-7825'><div class='entry-content-wrapper clearfix'>\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-2b0mwx-5-abb6c873eef044abee21fe21f3f89e93\">\n.flex_column.av-2b0mwx-5-abb6c873eef044abee21fe21f3f89e93{\nborder-radius:0px 0px 0px 0px;\npadding:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-2b0mwx-5-abb6c873eef044abee21fe21f3f89e93 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-22  el_before_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-first  first flex_column_div'     ><section  class='av_textblock_section av-2jj95-4-2c0d9414dc2c5f18d6c36f9163097b91'   itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\" ><div class='avia_textblock'  itemprop=\"text\" ><p><!--StartFragment --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"Missbrauchselbst\">Spiritual abuse of oneself<\/h2>\n<p>Sometimes, spiritual abuse can come from within \u2014 a subtle self-deception that appropriates the divine mystery and assumes control over something that remains beyond grasp.<br \/>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c6a175\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c6a175\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c6a175\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c6a175\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <br \/>\nYou may find yourself thinking, \"Now I've found God (or whatever I call him\/her\/it) \u2014 and that means everything must be easy. I no longer need to deal with my inner conflicts and patterns; God will sort it out for me.\" Or you might believe, \"I've had a profound realisation \u2014 now I know what's right for me and the whole world.\"<\/p>\n<p>But from my own experience, I can only say: That's a misconception. There is no spiritual shortcut, no 'bypass' that will effortlessly carry us through our challenges. After a \"Tabor experience\", a \"peak experience\", or a profound encounter with the divine, everyday life inevitably returns \u2014 with all its highs and lows. And it is precisely this everyday life that we are called to shape.<\/p>\n<p>Of course, everyday life can change, and your entire life can be rearranged \u2014 but there are no rigid rules that always work for everyone. Above all, my insights are valid only for me. I can share them with others, but ultimately, everyone has to find their own path             <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <\/p>\n<h3>Another form of spiritual abuse is to ignore everything \u201cunscientific.\u201d<\/h3>\n<p>Experiences of God, love, the inner light \u2013 all of this is part of being human.<br \/>\n        <div class=\"rmwr-wrapper\" \n             data-id=\"rmwr-6a0c294c6a1c6\"\n             data-mode=\"normal\"\n             data-animation=\"fade\"\n             data-duration=\"300\"\n             data-smooth-scroll=\"true\"\n             data-scroll-offset=\"0\">\n            <button \n                type=\"button\"\n                class=\"read-link\" \n                id=\"readlinkrmwr-6a0c294c6a1c6\"\n                data-open-text=\"mehr lesen\"\n                data-close-text=\"weniger lesen\"\n                aria-expanded=\"false\"\n                aria-controls=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c6a1c6\"\n                aria-label=\"read more\"\n            >\n                <span class=\"rmwr-text\">read more<\/span>\n            <\/button>\n            <div \n                class=\"read_div\" \n                id=\"readrmwr-6a0c294c6a1c6\"\n                aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                data-animation=\"fade\"\n                data-duration=\"300\"\n                style=\"display: none;\"\n            >\n                <br \/>\nThese are essential aspects of our experience that shouldn't be dismissed simply because they are not scientifically measurable. Faith is, for me, part of life \u2014 and how and what you believe should touch the heart, arise from deep within, and be lived with respect for yourself and for others.<br \/>\nI cannot know what this belief looks like in concrete terms \u2014 it\u2019s different for everyone. But to believe that only what is scientifically verifiable counts is a mistake. Values such as ethics, love, care, divine touch, healing, questions of meaning, or the idea of life after death are deeply interwoven with human existence. Those who consciously exclude such aspects risk alienating themselves. And when life knocks on our door with love, care, understanding \u2014 or even death \u2014 we may be wholly unprepared for all that lies beyond the material.<br \/>\nWe can only deal responsibly with what we are willing to truly look at.             <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <br \/>\n<strong>However your path may unfold, treat yourself with love on your journey through life.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><!--EndFragment --><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div>\n<style type=\"text\/css\" data-created_by=\"avia_inline_auto\" id=\"style-css-av-3r7a35-7-da9ee391233fd001998532b9efe792c6\">\n.flex_column.av-3r7a35-7-da9ee391233fd001998532b9efe792c6{\nborder-radius:10px 10px 10px 10px;\npadding:20px 20px 20px 20px;\n}\n<\/style>\n<div  class='flex_column av-3r7a35-7-da9ee391233fd001998532b9efe792c6 av_one_half  avia-builder-el-24  el_after_av_one_half  avia-builder-el-last  flex_column_div'     ><div  class='avia-slideshow av-mawtsg9q-6-0e10b33e0d254ff67292010edaf7a431 avia-slideshow-large av_slideshow avia-slide-slider  avia-builder-el-25  avia-builder-el-no-sibling  av-slideshow-ui av-control-default av-slideshow-manual av-loop-once av-loop-manual-endless av-default-height-applied avia-slideshow-3' data-slideshow-options=\"{&quot;animation&quot;:&quot;slide&quot;,&quot;autoplay&quot;:false,&quot;loop_autoplay&quot;:&quot;once&quot;,&quot;interval&quot;:5,&quot;loop_manual&quot;:&quot;manual-endless&quot;,&quot;autoplay_stopper&quot;:false,&quot;noNavigation&quot;:false,&quot;bg_slider&quot;:false,&quot;keep_padding&quot;:false,&quot;hoverpause&quot;:false,&quot;show_slide_delay&quot;:0}\"  itemprop=\"image\" itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/ImageObject\" ><ul class='avia-slideshow-inner' style='padding-bottom: 133.33333333333%;'><li  class='avia-slideshow-slide av-mawtsg9q-6-0e10b33e0d254ff67292010edaf7a431__0  av-single-slide slide-1 slide-odd'><div data-rel='slideshow-3' class='avia-slide-wrap'   ><img decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\" class=\"wp-image-6549 avia-img-lazy-loading-not-6549\"  src=\"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sonnenuntergang-Kiranshasa300x400.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"400\" title='Sunset Kiranshasa300x400' alt=''  itemprop=\"thumbnailUrl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sonnenuntergang-Kiranshasa300x400.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Sonnenuntergang-Kiranshasa300x400-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":8,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7825","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7825","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7825"}],"version-history":[{"count":100,"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9310,"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7825\/revisions\/9310"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/8"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gottimalltag.de\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}