Toxic faith! Isn’t that a contradiction of terms? It is, sort of, but it does exist. Toxic or toxin refers to something poisonous that can possibly cause illness or even death. Religious faith refers to a deep-seated commitment or confidence in a philosophy of life or in a deity or worldview that explains the meaning and purpose of life. So, yes, the two words should not be used together if both are properly understood. Yet they do describe what happens all too often in churches, with church leaders, pastors, and with ordinary lay people like you and me. Unfortunately, this happens, many times, without the person or church realizing it. Space and the writer’s ability limit an exhaustive study of this subject, so I’ll pretty much confine this article to toxic faith characteristics that exist in Christianity.

Several years ago a book in my library dealt with this subject in depth. It wasn’t a hot button issue with me then, so eventually the book ended up in a church library up north before we moved here. Not sure of the title. A friend lent me a more recent book by Steve Arterburn and Jack Felton, entitled Toxic Faith, which I will refer to later.

Here are some characteristics of a toxic faith, especially in the churches and it’s leaders that represent Jesus Christ to the world. No doubt there are many more characteristics, but these come readily to mind.

1. ARROGANT DOGMATISM: By this we mean persons, groups of persons, churches, pastors, et al who are convinced they have a corner on all truth, esp. religious and biblical truth. Their interpretation of biblical passages is absolutely the only correct one and those that disagree are obviously either misinformed, don’t understand the Bible, or are heretics who must be rejected or shunned. Is that not pretty toxic to those around them?

2. NARCISSISTIC OPINION OF THEMSELVES OR THEIR GROUP: I’m referring to the character of Greek mythology, Narcissus, who fell so much in love with his handsomeness that he died admiring himself. In a Christian context it is those who are so convinced of their rightness before God that they have fallen in love with their spiritual status. This can refer to individuals, pastors, church leaders, churches, even denominations.

3. SUPERSPIRITUAL PERSONA: This is the outer personality or faade as presented to others by an individual. Isn’t it fun to be around such persons?

4. GROUP THINK: This is also known as the herd mentality or a cardinal element in cultic behavior. Everyone must think exactly as dictated by the leaders (pastor, or ruling body). If not, they must not be allowed in the group. No wiggle room for the Holy Spirit to teach someone a truth that the herd leader doesn’t sanction. Isn’t “guiding us into all truth” (also) the work of the Holy Spirit? Could John 16 be instructive here?

5. COUNTERCULTURAL. i.e. SEPARATION FROM SOCIETY’S PROBLEMS: Some have referred to this as the “fortress mentality” in the church. We (Christians) cozy up with each other in our “fortress” and only make brief forays out into the world hoping to snare a convert or two for our cult. Pardon me, “our church”

The following are a few comments from the book mentioned earlier:

A. The “US VERSUS THEM” mentality: “The religious addicts are at war with the world to protect their terrain and establish themselves as godly persons who can’t be compared to other persons of faith.” They feel “threatened by those on the outside and must be ignored if they challenge the beliefs of the religious addicts.” The author uses the word “religious addicts” to mean those zealots whose toxic brand of faith truly alienates people. Page 173

B. THEIR TOXIC FAITH SYSTEM IS PUNITIVE IN NATURE: “The minister addicted to power punishes and purges the system of anybody who would upset the status quo.” P 176

C. COMMUNICATION IS FROM THE TOP DOWN OR FROM THE INSIDE OUT: “With an attitude of spiritual superiority, religious addicts reinforce that they are always in greater touch with God’s truth, more sensitive to God’s will, and more worthy of being listened to than anyone else.” P. 180

D. RULES ARE DISTORTIONS OF GOD’S INTENT AND LEAVE HIM OUT OF THE RELATIONSHIP: As new people come into the toxic faith system, they are indoctrinated into the rules, the “do’s and don’ts”, rather than strengthened in their relationship with God.” p 182

E. TOXIC RELIGIOUS ADDICTS LACK OBJECTIVE ACCOUNTABILITY: “If religious addicts were in healthy, accountable relationships with others, toxic faith would not be allowed to flourish.” Hopefully all deacon and elder boards have their “ears” on if and when they read this. P183

F. THE TECHNIQUE OF LABELING IS A PLOY USED TO DISMISS A PERSON WHO OPPOSES THE BELIEFS OF THE POWER STRUCTURE: “Labeling attempts to dehumanize persons so that dismissing them or their opinions is much easier.” P184

So what can we glean from this massive and somewhat troubling subject that might help us grow spiritually? First of all we need to open our hearts before God and seriously inquire if my “brand” of Christianity that people see in me is in fact toxic. Does the way I deport myself and represent my faith actually repel people from coming to Christ? Many of you know what the term “church damaged” means. Most often it means the person has come aground in a church situation or with a pastor or religious leaders whose brand of Christianity was toxic. Therefore assuming that that must be characteristic of all churches, leaders, pastors, etc., they sadly no longer want to have anything to do with institutionalized Christianity, the church and likewise with the people associated with Christian groups.

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible encourages us to see ourselves as God sees us. We are called to be His ambassadors and therefore it is incumbent on us to do so in ways that attract people rather than repel them. Paul refers to God “as the God of all Comfort” (II Cor. 1:3), but He does this through us. Don’t shoot the wounded, the church damaged, by presenting them with your brand of toxic Christianity, but demonstrate God’s love to them. See Luke 10:29 ff – the story of the Good Samaritan.

Paul Williams is a retired veterinarian. He and his wife, Pat, have lived in Marietta for 11 years and attend Evergreen Bible Church.