Group Peer Pressure In The Church
Although a church organization would seemingly be the place where peer pressure should not be a problem, sadly, this is not the case. Peer pressure in the church is a real and prevalent issue. There are countless types of peer pressure, and although the term itself is heavily related to teen pressures, this post deals with adult peer pressure and how the pressure to conform to the church’s ideals can be a form of badgering, harassment, and even bullying.
*Note: Since I was once a part of the Christian church, I can only speak of my experiences in that arena. Yet, these experience may apply to other religious arenas as well.
Pressure To Conform
Some Christians use the verse that we should not conform to the image or pattern of this world but that we should be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Rom. 12:2) as a point of reference for how churchgoers should do and be to live a peaceful life. Yet, churches with narcissistically empowered environments push for conformity to church aligned standards that often have nothing to do with biblical standards at all.
I liken being a part of these types of churches to being a part of a religious cult. These cult-like churches have lists of bylaws and policies that require conformity for the purpose of ensuring that there is uniformity rather than distinct and unique differences among their church members. Narcissistically empowered churches do not wish for their members to conform for any true spiritual transformation, but rather, they wish for their members to conform to be kept under the eyes of their control.
Almost no one is immune to feeling the pressures of these church peer groups. From being eyed and judged for not placing an offering into the collection plate when passed your way or from being stifled from expressing true worship to God, these narcissistically empowered churches write the laws that they expect to be followed, and anyone who does not tow the line will face punishment that might consist of being openly ridiculed or being privately chastised by a select group or members in leadership.
It is truly baffling how little freedom one does experience in these types of churches, and it is even more baffling that there is tremendous peer pressure to conform. Within the bulk of these toxic churches, a person is not allowed to have his or her own view of scripture. In fact, scripture will be preached so hard towards a slant that promotes what the church wants that there is very little room for even God. Whatever one might think God is speaking through scripture will be quickly cast down as incorrect.
Although there will be teaching that each member is personally responsible for cultivating their own relationship with God, this teaching does not fully cover the truth of the matter. Frankly, these types of churches do not care about anyone’s relationship with God on any level. These churches only care about controlling their members, and they will seek to gain control by any means necessary. If a member can’t follow through, then the pressure to conform will be so strong that one will either give in and do what is required to remain or exit that particular church altogether.
My advice is to exit. You’ll be saving your own soul.
My Voice Unchained 