Toxic Faith: Self Test

From TOXIC FAITH by Steve Arterburn and Jack Felton

Answer Yes or No to the following questions:

1. Has your family complained that you are always going to a church meeting rather than spending time with them? ________

2. Do you feel extreme guilt for being out of church just one Sunday? ________

3. Do you sense that God is looking at what you do, and if you don't do enough, he might turn on you or refuse to bless you? ________

4. Do you often tell your children what to do without explaining your reasons, since you know you are right? ________

5. Do you find yourself with little time for the pleasures of earlier years because you are so busy serving on committees and attending other church groups? ________

6. Have people complained that you use so much scripture in your conversation that it is hard to communicate with you? ________

7. Are you giving money to a ministry because you believe God will make you wealthy if you give? ________

8. Have you ever been involved sexually with a minister out of wedlock? ________

9. Is it hard for you to make a decision without consulting your pastor? Even over the small issues? ________

10. Do you see your minister as more powerful than other humans? ________

11. Has your faith led you to lead an isolated life, making it hard for you to relate to your family and friends? ________

12. Have you ever found yourself looking to your minister for quick fix to lifelong problem? ________

13. Do you feel extreme guilt over the slightest mistakes or inadequacies? ________

14. Is your most significant relationship deteriorating over your strong beliefs, compared to those of a "weaker partner"? ________

15. Do you ever have thoughts of God wanting you to destroy yourself or others in order to go and live with him? ________

16. Do you regularly believe that God is communication with you in an audible voice? ________

17. Do you feel that God is angry with you? ________

18. Do you believe you are still being punished for something you did as a child? ________

19. Do you feel if you work a little harder, God will forgive you? ________

20. Has anyone ever told you that a minister was manipulating your thoughts and feelings? ________

If you answered yes to at least 3 questions you may be a religious addict.