Religious Trauma: Navigating the Trifecta of Faith, Culture and Identity
by Paulette Bethel
In my role as an expert in culture and identity within the trauma space, my intent here is to explore three deeply intertwined factors—faith, culture, and identity create what I call a “trauma trifecta.” Each of these elements is foundational to personal identity, shaping how individuals experience, process, and heal from trauma. In my opinion, approaching religious trauma from this perspective, rather than as an isolated experience, allows us to recognize and understand the layered impacts of cultural and identity dynamics on a person’s spiritual journey and their psychological well-being.
Through this “trifecta” lens, I hope to foster a compassionate and inclusive model for healing—one that respects lived experiences and the complex relationship between spirituality and selfhood and how the complex interplay of these factors influences the challenges and paths to recovery that many face in reconciling their spiritual and personal identities.
The Trauma Trifecta: Faith, Culture, and Identity
For many, religious beliefs lie at the very heart of their identity and sense of self and shaped by cultural traditions and familial expectations. Faith, culture, and identity are foundational to how we see ourselves and our place in the world. Yet, when these elements are misaligned—whether through personal crises, organizational dynamics, or societal pressures—the result can be a deeply personal and multifaceted form of trauma. Cultural influences, family dynamics, and societal pressures add layers of complexity, making it hard to separate one’s spiritual beliefs from inherited cultural traditions. Exploring this tension—where religious, cultural, and personal identities intersect—is crucial for understanding the trauma many people face when their spiritual path is disrupted or compromised.
The Trifecta’s Impact on Families and Generations
Reflecting on my own journey growing up in a Catholic family, I’ve seen how faith and culture can deeply intertwine, often shaping one’s sense of self from an early age. For my husband, a Vietnam veteran, the spiritual journey was complex as he navigated moral challenges and questions about faith following his service. In raising our own (now adult) children, Third Culture Kids (TCKs) in military communities, I observed how cultural and spiritual intersections uniquely impacted each of us. Our children, for instance, grew up with exposure to diverse religious traditions within military chapels, creating a foundation for self-exploration in faith. Over time, influenced by these broad exposure of unique intersections of culture and spirituality allowed them to ultimately find their own distinctive path in faith expression, shaped by their individual journeys and the varied cultural influences in their upbringing. This has been true not only for my children but for our entire family, as we’ve each grappled with evolving beliefs shaped by our complex lives.
In my professional role, I have provided counseling, training, and support at military chapels domestically and internationally. I have worked with military children, their families, and the larger base communities. Each individual and the entire community navigated the unique gifts and challenges of frequent moves and cross-cultural living. These experiences provided valuable insight into the challenges which military children and other TCKs, and face in balancing multiple cultural and religious identities.
Social Scaffolding In Faith Communities
“Young people need “social scaffolding” to reach their full potential.”
While working with TCKs and military families, I was introduced to the concept of social scaffolding within faith communities by my colleague Dr Becky Powell, a researcher and an expert in TCKs and religious education. Social scaffolding refers to support structures that young people can rely on to nurture and protect them in life, and to help them learn about how the world works and how to change things. When healthy, scaffolding includes positive relationships, meaningful spiritual practices, and shared narratives that align with one’s personal journey. However, when these structures become toxic, they can instead reinforce feelings of alienation and trauma. For Dr. Powell, the concept of social “scaffolding” in a faith community, especially for communities, such as the military, becomes essential. She is quick to recognize that toxic relationships in a religious community can traumatize, but she has also seen healing come through social scaffolding, spiritual practices, and sacred stories. She explains that social scaffolding supports all aspects human development. The scaffolding which can occur in healthy religious communities allows individuals to connect with their faith personally meaningful ways which align with their identity.
Beyond her research, she recounts her own recent crisis of faith:
“My international life and frequent relocations have weakened my religious practices. I was raised Baptist, was previously Presbyterian, and am currently Anglican. For the last few years, I have had to force myself to show up to any services. In August, my dad’s death was a significant blow, but my own faith was scaffolded by many friends and family. At the burial, a hawk even swooped down and cried providing a reminder of faith that transcends feelings. I still struggle, but I am now able to reenter worship and have a deeper understanding of faith. My cognitive and emotional aspects of religion are growing through with local friends, hearing scriptures of eternity, and practicing prayer with my congregation.”
Dr. Powell’s story, grounded in both personal experience and professional study, underscores the potential for faith communities to support individuals in ways that foster resilience and personal growth.
These personal and professional experiences have shaped my perspective as a culture and identity expert, emphasizing the significance of understanding how diverse beliefs and practices can affect families across generations. By recognizing the roles of faith and culture in shaping one’s identity, we can foster an inclusive approach to spiritual support, particularly within communities navigating cultural and religious complexity.
Pathways to Healing Through Cultural and Identity Awareness
Healing from religious trauma requires more than just distancing oneself from harmful beliefs or experiences. True healing comes from examining the intricate relationship between faith, culture, and identity, allowing space for personal exploration and accepting diverse perspectives within the context of one’s spiritual journey. By rethinking religious trauma through this multifaceted lens, we can provide those affected with a compassionate, nuanced approach to healing—one that respects their lived experiences, cultural background, honors their unique identity, and encourages a balanced path forward. For those seeking healing from religious trauma, Religious Trauma Network can be an excellent resource, offering supportive networks that encourage self-discovery in safe and compassionate spaces. Here are some additional practices that may offer a starting point:
Reflect on Your Own Story: Take time to consider how your background in faith, culture, and identity has shaped you. Journaling or speaking with a trusted counselor can be helpful.
Engage with Healthy Community: Seek out supportive groups that affirm your values and identity. Religious Trauma Network is one such community where individuals can connect with others who understand the complexities of religious trauma.
Explore Different Spiritual Practices: Finding practices outside the tradition you were raised in can offer new perspectives and healing pathways.
By approaching religious trauma through this multifaceted lens, it could provide a compassionate, inclusive approach to healing—one that respects individual journeys, honors unique identities, and encourages a balanced path forward.
Dr. Paulette Bethel is a member of the Religious Trauma Network’s Advisory Panel.
Read more from Paulette at: www.paulettebethel.com
This article is not intended to treat or diagnose any condition. Paulette is not a licensed therapist or clinician. Any advice or opinions given on this site are strictly individual observation and insights based on personal experiences and study. It should in no way take the place of professional assistance.