" I want to preface by emphasizing that my reflections are not meant to criticize my parents, family, church or any particular faith or belief system. As a preacher's kid, and with a mother who is literally ‘salt of the earth’, I deeply value the teachings and connections I gained through my upbringing. However, I also recognize that the interpretation of religious doctrines by individuals can sometimes lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and a lack of agency in seeking answers. Growing up in an environment where questioning this was discouraged, I experienced firsthand how religious indoctrination and dogma shaped my self-perception and influenced the dynamics of my relationships. It's important to acknowledge the complexities of how faith can impact our sense of identity and to navigate this terrain with compassion and understanding." xoxo-Kari Lea Unraveling Religious Indoctrination What is Religious Indoctrination? Indoctrination in religion means teaching dogma an