Setbacks in faith are common but must never be left unattended. Click here to learn how deviating from the Church’s teachings affect your humanity.
For decades, humans have used faith as their guiding light – a way to cope with life’s difficulties, find meaning in the world around them and create a community of support. For many people, their faith is an integral part of their identity, determining how they spend their days and the way they choose to interact with those around them. These people view religion as the bedrock and foundation of their lives, and any deviation from the church-mandated rules and beliefs can be seen as a threat to their sense of identity and that of the community at large.
The Impact of Deviating From Christ’s Teachings
In his book, ‘The Trumpet Call,’ author Robert K. Aber emphasizes that the teachings of the Church are truly invaluable when it comes to living a life full of purpose, meaning, and direction. These lessons are meant to provide guidance and support – they are meant to help believers establish a life that aligns with Christ’s ideology of love and compassion. However, deviation from the Church’s teachings and beliefs, be it intentionally or unintentionally, can significantly impact a person’s soul and mind. This change, if left unchecked, can lead to negative consequences in the long run.
1) Deviating from the Church teaches people to be judgmental rather than compassionate: When someone strays away from the teachings of the Church, they become more likely to judge others for their decisions or for who they are. Chances are that they will develop a sense of superiority, making them feel as if they are better equipped to live life than those around them. Consequently, they will openly criticize others for their mistakes, creating a hostile environment where people are unwelcomed and ostracized.
2) Deviation from Church decreases participation in communal activities: It is natural for a person who deviates from their faith to feel less connected with their religion and their community in general. To them, the people who previously felt like the family may now appear to be strangers with values completely different from their own. This sense of insecurity makes participating in communal activities, such as attending religious services or joining Bible studies, all the more difficult. As a result, these individuals miss out on vital opportunities to connect with their peers and develop a deeper understanding of their faith.
3) Deviation from Church creates division among believers: When someone strays away from their faith, they may be seen as an outsider within the community. Many people are likely to judge and shun them instead of helping them find their way back to religion and, ultimately, god. This can lead to a feeling of disconnect between them and other members of the Church, leading to division and lack of support instead of unity and fellowship.
4) Deviating from Church teachings results in less spiritual satisfaction: When believers start to grow distant from the Church, they are likely to find that they are not receiving the spiritual nourishment or guidance that is typically needed to lead a healthy life. Individuals who feel lost and unsatisfied spiritually are likely to experience immense emotional turmoil, affecting their mental well-being. This sense of empty-ness is precisely what sets the ground for illnesses like depression or anxiety.
5) Deviation from Church can lead to isolation: There are often times when a believer who has seemingly lost their way is singled out by their community. They may feel as though they are alienated by others and can no longer rely on the people around them for support – a thought that can be incredibly damaging. Individuals who feel disconnected start preferring loneliness over the company, leading to feelings of worthlessness and despair. They feel rejected, misunderstood, and judged, emotions that force them to become more introverted or reclusive in order to avoid further judgment or criticism.
6) Deviation from Church suppresses individual expression: When someone strays away from their faith, they may find that they are not allowed to express themselves or their beliefs in the open. They may start hiding who they truly are out of the fear that others will simply shun them because of their different approach. This can lead to a sense of repression and suppression, which can be incredibly damaging for those who need an outlet for self-expression.
7) Deviation from Church teaches people to rely on their own judgment: Someone who feels insecure about their beliefs is bound to become isolated and more likely to rely on their own judgment when making decisions. These people, who would normally get a second opinion and hear others’ perspectives before making a choice, feel like they have no one to go to. As a result, they may end up making rash or ill-informed choices that could have negative consequences.
8) Deviating from the Church decreases moral accountability: Those who stray away from their faith may find that they are unable to provide a stable foundation for themselves spiritually – making them feel adrift and uncertain regarding what is truly important to them. They may find that they are no longer held accountable for their actions – this can lead to an increase in immoral behavior, as there is no one to point out when a decision or action is wrong. This can have drastic consequences in the long run, especially if it becomes habitual.
Final Thoughts
Author Robert K. Aber believes that while temporary changes aren’t harmful, permanent deviations from the teachings of religion can wreak havoc on the mind and soul. It is important for individuals who choose this path to be aware of the potential negative consequences and make sure that they are making informed choices about their lives and beliefs. If you feel like you lately feel distant from religion, make the time to put in the extra effort needed to reconnect with God.
