Building Communities of Faith: Embracing Freedom and Nurturing Growth
In our pursuit of building strong communities of faith, it is crucial to understand the dynamics that can lead to unhealthy dependencies and psychological entrapment. One such dynamic is Stockholm Syndrome, a condition where individuals develop emotional bonds with their captors or abusers, often as a survival mechanism (Graham et al., 1994). While this syndrome typically occurs in extreme situations, its underlying principles can also manifest in more subtle ways within community structures, including religious institutions (De Fabrique et al., 2007).
Stockholm Syndrome serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity to bond with those who wield control, even to the detriment of personal well-being (Namnyak et al., 2008). As we strive to create communities of faith, we must be vigilant to avoid replicating environments where members feel trapped or manipulated. Instead, our goal should be to build spaces that provide shelter, support, and a sense of belonging without restricting individual freedom or critical thought (Whitehead, 2012).
