How Fear Based Theology Affects Your Mental Health

 Church hurt is real and it can leave deep emotional, spiritual, and relational wounds. In this episode of the Finding God Podcast, host Keana W. Mitchell explores what church hurt is, why it’s so damaging, and how to begin honest conversations with family members who may not understand.You’ll learn:What “church hurt” means and how it impacts faith and mental healthWhy family members may dismiss or minimize your painPractical strategies for starting conversations with loved onesRole‑play examples of supportive vs. dismissive responsesBiblical models of honesty and grief (Hannah, David, Jesus)A prayer for peace and journaling prompts to process your emotionsThis episode reminds us that talking about church hurt is not about tearing down faith it’s about building a healthier, more authentic relationship with God and with others.📖 Scriptures Referenced:James 5:16Proverbs 4:23Psalm 147:3Psalm 34:18John 11🙏 If this episode blessed you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a friend who may need encouragement.✨ Connect with Keana:Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2Link to Healing Exercises PDF: Why God isn't wanting to punish youLink to Song Devotion on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5-I8EfhMCE8Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this powerful episode of the Finding God Podcast, host Keana W. Mitchell explores the emotional and spiritual impact of toxic church culture and how setting boundaries can be a sacred act of healing. Building on last week’s episode about fear-based theology and its effects on mental health, Keana dives into how exclusion, racism, spiritual abuse, and prosperity gospel distort the image of God and damage our relationship with the Divine.Through Scripture, psychological insight, and trauma-informed reflection, this episode offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools for reclaiming your spiritual autonomy. Whether you’ve experienced religious trauma or are simply seeking a more authentic connection with God, this episode affirms that you are worthy of love, safety, and spiritual clarity.📖 Topics Covered:What church culture is and how it becomes toxicThe emotional and psychological toll of exclusion, racism, and spiritual abuseHow toxic theology distorts our view of GodWhat Scripture says about the true purpose of the churchThe importance of knowing God for yourselfHow to set boundaries that protect your peace and reflect your values🧠 Key Scriptures:Acts 2:42–47 – The early church as a place of unity and generosityGalatians 3:28 – Spiritual equality in ChristMicah 6:8 – God’s call to justice, mercy, and humilityJeremiah 29:13 – Seeking God with your whole heartJohn 15:5 – Abiding in God as the source of lifeJohn 4:23 – Worshiping in spirit and truth🛡️ Healing Takeaways:Boundaries are sacred and spiritually necessaryYou are allowed to walk away from harmful church environmentsGod is not confined to a building God is with you in your healingYou can seek and find God for yourself, outside of toxic systems🎶 Featured Song:“The Answer” by Uniquely Chosen A soul-stirring anthem for anyone searching for clarity, healing, and truth. This song reminds us that God is the answer and that stepping away from toxic church culture can be the first step toward spiritual restoration.💬 Call to Action:If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s healing from religious trauma or questioning their spiritual path. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to help others find this safe and sacred space.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

Episode Title: Relationship with God vs. Religion (Replay) Podcast: Finding God Podcast✨ Episode SummaryDue to technical difficulties, this week’s episode on setting boundaries with toxic church culture will be released next week. In the meantime, we’re revisiting a listener favorite: the difference between having a relationship with God vs. religion.This episode dives into the heart of faith, reminding us that God desires connection, not just ritual. We’ll discuss how religion can sometimes become routine, while a relationship with God is about intimacy, trust, and daily presence.💡 What You’ll LearnThe difference between practicing religion and cultivating relationship.Why rituals without intimacy can leave faith feeling empty.How to strengthen your personal connection with God.📲 Call to ActionSubscribe to the Finding God Podcast for weekly episodes.Share this replay with someone who needs encouragement in their faith journey.Follow on Instagram @findinggod2 for updates and reflections.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

🎧 Episode Summary:In this powerful episode of the Finding God Podcast, host Keana W. Mitchell explores how fear-based theology belief systems rooted in shame, punishment, and conditional love can deeply impact your mental and emotional well-being. Building on last week’s episode, Relearning God’s Character, Keana unpacks the psychological toll of viewing God through a lens of fear and control, and offers a path toward healing through truth, grace, and spiritual safety.You’ll learn how fear-based theology can lead to anxiety, religious OCD (scrupulosity), depression, and even PTSD-like symptoms. Through biblical examples, psychological research, and trauma-informed insight, Keana contrasts fear-driven faith with the liberating power of love-based theology.This episode also includes therapeutic healing exercises rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and spiritual reflection to help you begin releasing fear and embracing the truth of God’s unconditional love.🧠 Topics Covered:What fear-based theology is and how it shows up in everyday lifeMental health disorders linked to fear-based religious beliefsBiblical examples of fear-based vs. faith-based theologyCBT-inspired healing exercises for spiritual and emotional restorationHow to reframe your view of God through love, not fear✨ Healing Exercises Included:Thought Reframing with ScriptureSafe Imagery PracticeAffirmation JournalingForgiveness Visualization🎵 Featured Song:“Have I Told You Lately” by Unique-ly Chosen A gentle, soul-soothing reminder of God’s love and presence. Listen now on the Finding God Podcast YouTube channel.📲 Connect with Keana:Instagram: findinggod2Website: keanawmitchell.comYouTube: Finding God Podcast - YouTubeLink to song on Sound Cloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/pfLl5mvMeOmiPKmESB💬 Call to Action:If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s healing from spiritual trauma. Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the podcast, it helps others find this safe, nurturing space.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

🎧 Episode SummaryThis week, Keana W. Mitchell invites listeners into a powerful conversation about spiritual restoration and emotional clarity. Many of us were taught distorted versions of God’s character angry, distant, or conditional. These misrepresentations, whether through fear-based theology, religious trauma, or misused scripture, can deeply affect our mental health and spiritual intimacy.In this episode, Keana explores how relearning God’s true nature kind, loving, and just can transform our emotional well-being and deepen our relationship with Him. Through biblical examples, psychological insights, and trauma-informed healing exercises, you’ll be guided back to the heart of a God who whispers grace, not fear.🔁 Last Week’s RecapLast week’s episode, “Healthy Giving vs. Financial Abuse in the Church,” unpacked how spiritual manipulation around money can distort our view of generosity and God’s provision. Keana explored the difference between peace-led giving and coercive tactics, laying the groundwork for this week’s deeper dive into God’s character.📖 What You’ll LearnHow distorted views of God affect mental health and spiritual connectionBiblical stories where God revealed His true characterHow mercy and justice coexist in God’s loveClinical research on the emotional impact of misrepresenting GodFive healing exercises to help you rediscover who God is to youHow understanding God’s love can lead to emotional safety and spiritual intimacy🛠️ Healing Exercises IncludedEach practice is paired with a scripture for reflection:God Image Journal – John 14:9Scripture Meditation – Psalm 103:8Prayer of Reintroduction – Jeremiah 24:7Lyric Reflection – Zephaniah 3:17Character Collage – Exodus 34:6📥 Download the full healing guide in the show notes🎶 Song of the Week“God’s Love” by Unique-ly Chosen This song is a declaration of divine kindness, mercy, and justice. 🎥 Watch the lyric video in the show notes 📥 Healing guide available for download🧠 Research HighlightAccording to NeuroLaunch (2025), fear-based religious teachings can contribute to emotional dysregulation and obsessive behaviors. A study in the Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health found that secure attachment to a loving God correlates with lower anxiety and higher emotional resilience (Smith & Exline, 2023).🔗 Resources & Links🎶 Watch the lyric video for “God’s Love” by Unique-ly Chosen📄 Download the Healing Exercises PDF: 📺 Subscribe to the Finding God Podcast on YouTube💬 Connect with KeanaInstagram: @findinggod2Website: www.keanawmitchell.com✨ If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who’s ready to meet God again for who He truly is. Relearning His character isn’t rebellion, it’s restoration.#FindingGodPodcast #GodIsKind #FaithHealing #SpiritualRestoration #TraumaInformedFaith #GodsLove #UniqueLyChosen #KeanaWMitchellSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this week’s episode of the Finding God Podcast, Keana W. Mitchell explores a topic that’s often overlooked in faith spaces: the difference between healthy giving and financial abuse. Prompted by recent controversy surrounding Bishop Marvin Winans and a viral moment involving public correction over a donation amount, Keana dives into the emotional, spiritual, and financial impact of coercive giving practices.This episode offers biblical clarity, trauma-informed insight, and practical tools to help you discern when giving is spirit-led and when it’s being weaponized.🔍 What You’ll Learn:The biblical roots of giving in both the Old and New TestamentsHow to recognize healthy giving vs. financial manipulationReal-life examples of spiritual coercion and financial boundary violationsWhat Scripture says about generosity, stewardship, and spiritual integritySigns of financial abuse in church settingsHow to heal and set financial boundaries without guilt or fear📖 Scripture Highlights:2 Corinthians 9:7 – “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart…”Proverbs 11:25 – “A generous person will prosper…”Matthew 23:14 – “You devour widows’ houses…”Micah 3:11 – “Her priests teach for a price…”🧠 Expert Insight:Dr. Diane Langberg, Christian psychologist and trauma expert, writes:“Spiritual abuse often includes financial exploitation, leaving victims emotionally depleted, physically strained, and spiritually confused.”Keana reflects on how financial abuse distorts your view of God, damages trust in community and erodes your sense of worth.🧘‍♀️ 5 Healing Exercises to Reclaim Your Power:Financial Truth Journal – Reflect on your giving history and motivationsBoundary Affirmation Practice – Rebuild your confidence in saying noScripture Reframing – Replace guilt with grace through God’s WordGiving Reset Ritual – Pause giving to rediscover your “why”Safe Stewardship Plan – Create a budget that honors both your faith and your needs📥 Download the full healing guide in the show notes.🎶 Song of the Week: “Hallelujah” by Unique-ly ChosenThis week’s featured song is a powerful declaration of spiritual freedom. “Hallelujah” invites listeners to release shame, reclaim their voice, and celebrate the God who sees the heart—not the wallet. It’s a healing anthem for anyone who’s ever felt pressured, overlooked, or spiritually manipulated.🎥 Watch the lyric video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mYa2N81wR84 📥 Download the healing exercises PDF in the show notes:💬 Final ReflectionGiving is sacred but it should never come from fear, shame, or pressure. You are not your tithe. You are not your bank account. You are a child of God, and your worth is not for sale.🎧 Click the link to listen to the podcast on Spotify!!!https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=ffde46a60bc74befSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

This week on Finding God, we’re dismantling the fear-based belief that God is watching and waiting to punish us. If you’ve ever carried the weight of shame, guilt, or spiritual anxiety, this episode is for you. Keana W. Mitchell offers a trauma-informed, biblically grounded conversation about the true nature of God’s love one rooted in grace, not retribution.We’ll explore how distorted theology can shape our emotional lives, and how healing begins when we embrace the truth: God is not against you. He’s for you. Always.💡 In This Episode:Why fear-based theology keeps us spiritually stuckHow trauma can distort our view of God’s characterScriptural truths that reveal God’s grace and gentlenessA guided reflection on spiritual safety and emotional healingAffirmations to help you walk in freedom and divine love📥 Free ResourceDownload this week’s free PDF: Healing Exercises – Releasing Fear, Embracing Grace This companion guide includes journaling prompts, affirmations, and a prayer meditation to help you process the episode and deepen your healing journey. 👉 Link to PDF: Why God isn't wanting to punish you🎶 This Week’s Featured Song:“Devotion” by Unique-ly Chosen This week’s episode is paired with a powerful new track from the Finding God Podcast music collective, Unique-ly Chosen. Watch the official music video now https://youtu.be/5-I8EfhMCE8Let the music minister to your spirit as you reflect on God’s grace and your worth.🔔 Subscribe & ShareIf this episode speaks to your heart, share it with someone who needs a reminder that they are not beyond grace. Subscribe for weekly episodes that center healing, faith, and emotional clarity.Click the link below to subscribe to the Finding God Podcast on Spotify!!!https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

🎧 Episode SummaryIn this powerful and reflective episode, Keana explores the heart behind our spiritual devotion: Are we serving God out of love or out of fear?She unpacks how our childhood experiences, religious conditioning, and emotional wounds can shape the way we relate to God. Through trauma-informed insight and biblical reflection, Keana invites listeners to examine their motivations and begin a journey toward freedom, intimacy, and authentic worship.🔍 What You’ll Learn:How fear-based obedience can mask spiritual insecurityThe difference between reverence and religious anxietyHow childhood trauma and parental dynamics shape your view of GodWhy love not fear is the foundation of true relationship with GodHow to begin shifting from performance to presence🧘‍♀️ Reflective Questions:When you think about serving God, do you feel peace—or pressure?What messages did you receive about God growing up?Do you believe God delights in you—or merely tolerates you?📝 This Week’s Challenge:Take 10 minutes each day to sit in silence and ask:“God, how do You see me?” Write down what you hear, feel, or sense. Let love rewrite the narrative.📣 Resources🎧 Listen to past episodes of the Finding God Podcast for more healing-centered reflections: https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=a5c11d5d7fbf42f1📄 Download this week’s PDF devotional guide with journaling prompts and scriptures: 📖 Devotional Guide for Are You Serving God out of Fear or Love (7).pdf💬 Join the conversation on Instagram @KeanaWMitchell and share your reflections using #FindingGodPodcast: (8) Instagram.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

Spiritual abuse is often subtle, masked by scripture, tradition, or authority—but its impact is deeply personal and profoundly damaging. In this episode, Keana W. Mitchell gently unpacks what spiritual abuse looks like, how to recognize its signs, and why naming it is the first step toward healing.Whether you’ve felt silenced in your faith community, manipulated by religious leaders, or shamed in the name of God, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and hope. Keana shares real-life examples, biblical insight, and trauma-informed guidance to help you discern truth from control—and begin reclaiming your spiritual voice.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What spiritual abuse is and what it isn’tCommon signs and patterns to watch forWhy healing begins with naming the harmSteps to rebuild trust in your faith and yourselfWho It’s For:Survivors of religious traumaListeners questioning their faith experienceAnyone seeking a safe, loving relationship with God·       Join Me on social media!!!!·       Facebook:·       Finding God | Facebook·       Facebook Group:·       Finding God | Facebook·       Instagram:·       Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videos·       Listen to Finding God on Spotify:·       https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations

In this week’s episode of Finding God, Keana W. Mitchell explores one of the most foundational questions in faith: Are you practicing religion or living in relationship with God? With honesty and spiritual insight, Keana unpacks the difference between following a set of rules and cultivating a personal, transformative connection with the Creator.Listeners will learn:What defines religion: structure, tradition, and external behaviorsWhat defines relationship: intimacy, trust, and spiritual dialogueWhy religion can feel easier but often leaves us spiritually dryWhy relationship is harder but essential to knowing God’s heartHow understanding God’s character requires more than ritual it requires presenceKeana also shares personal reflections and practical ways to assess where you stand in your spiritual walk. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing all the right things” but still feel disconnected from God, this episode will speak directly to your soul.🎶 Song of the Week: “Heart Beats for You” by Uniquely ChosenThis week’s featured song is Heart Beats for You by Uniquely Chosen a tender, worship-infused track that captures the longing and intimacy of a true relationship with God. With heartfelt lyrics and a stirring melody, it reminds us that God’s love isn’t distant or conditional it’s personal, present, and pulsing with grace.🔍 Reflection PromptKeana invites listeners to reflect on these questions:Do I feel pressure to perform for God or freedom to be honest with Him?Am I following rituals or pursuing connection?What does my heart say when I’m alone with God?🔜 Next Week’s Episode PreviewNext week, Keana will be addressing a topic that’s often hidden but deeply impactful: How You Can Tell If You’ve Been Spiritually Abused. She’ll unpack the signs, share personal insights, and offer guidance for healing and reclaiming your spiritual voice. If you’ve ever felt manipulated, silenced, or shamed in the name of faith this episode is for you.Be sure to subscribe, share, and join us for a conversation that could bring clarity, freedom, and restoration.Join Me on social media!!!!Facebook:Finding God | FacebookFacebook Group:Finding God | FacebookInstagram:Keana W. Mitchell (@findinggod2) • Instagram photos and videosListen to Finding God on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/022Zht5DjU1i3k7BAeHaTW?si=8c728b93da5d43c2Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/finding-god/donations