Problem
Toxic theology
Other Names:
Bad theology Nature:
Toxic theology refers to belief systems that contain falsehoods; it does not refer to the underlying religion but rather its expression in a particular community of faith. Qualities of toxic theology are that they contain a measure of violence -- emotional, physical or spiritual -- and power abuse that compromise mental health and physical wellbeing, producing pain and suffering. Characteristics of such theology may include:
- followers are held to a rigid, unyielding system of beliefs
- and berated for independent thought
- producing cognitive dissonance or confusion due to internal contradictions and conflicting dogmas
- questioning is discouraged
- outsiders are suspicious
- pluralism of belief is discouraged; other religions are not acceptable
- biblical texts are interpreted literally
- pleasing God, who rewards piety and punishes faithlessness
- afterlife is real and consequent on current life.
Religious beliefs based on toxic theology can increase guilt, shame, fear of death and complicated grief.
Broader Problems:
Religious theology disrelated to lifeAuthoritarian religious systems Narrower Problems:
Discriminatory religious languageCentralization of religious powerDisruptive religious fundamentalismUnsubstantiated religious claimsRestrictive religious practices Aggravates:
Fear of deathGuiltShameCognitive dissonanceInhibited grief processDecreasing participation in collective religious worshipFragmentation of religious beliefIrrational religious beliefsDisagreement concerning religious doctrineReligious intoleranceReligious legitimation of violenceReligious dogmatism Reduced By:
Denial of religious infallibilityDenial of exclusive religious claims
Erosion of religious belief by ecumenical dialogue
Denial of extrajudicial rights by religious authorities
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.10.2020 – 22:48 CEST