NEGATIVE SOCIAL CONTROL IN
CLOSED RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES
“We were not allowed to read or watch media that provided information about sexuality and the body, other religions, superstitions and supernatural events, science that contradicted the teachings of the Bible, thoughts of apostates, or ideas that involved idolization of people.”
Do you live with anxiety about doomsday, evil forces, or fear that you won't achieve eternal life? Have you been expelled from the congregation because of the choices you make? Are you afraid that you won't live up to the expectations the religious community has for you?
Having faith can often bring meaning and joy to life. Many people can find security in their faith and the community around it. However, some religious communities can cultivate an unbalanced preaching that focuses on negative or frightening aspects from the holy scriptures, and additionally subject their members to extensive control and pressure.
"Belonging to a religious community can provide a strong support network and a sense of well-being. However, some individuals experience that this community engages in surveillance, isolation, and imposing of unreasonable demands on its members." (Source: Hjelpekilden.no)
The social control within the community may be due to prioritizing the needs of the group over the individual's needs. Some religious communities may also foster a culture of obedience. At the same time, the congregation may have a desire to protect its members from the influence of the outside world, which can result in a culture characterized by strict control and pressure for conformity, commonly referred to as negative social control.
Negative social control can have severe psychological consequences. You may experience feelings of depression, hopelessness, and loneliness. Therefore, it is important to seek help and support.
You have rights
The rights of every individual are protected by human rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Norwegian law. Below is a simplified version of the Child Act:
§31: From the age of 7, parents should listen to what the child has to say before making decisions on behalf of the child. The child's opinions should be given weight according to their age and maturity. From the age of 12, great importance should be placed on what the child has to say.
§32: From the age of 15, the child has complete autonomy in making decisions regarding education and can join or leave organizations and religious communities.
§33: The child should be given increasing responsibility and autonomy as they grow older until they reach adulthood.
You can read more about your rights here.