[haswell]

Religion is one of the central reasons that I felt I had no self-worth growing up. It literally taught me that I was inherently bad, and it was one of the core justifications for years of physical abuse.

I recognize that not all practitioners of religion engage in the toxic kind, but I think it's more helpful to look at the ways that some religions help people, and seek that out vs. adopting a belief in some deity.

Seeking forms of self exploration and contemplation that lead to realizations about self and the inherent value of all beings can be useful. Contemplating the vastness of the universe, the improbability of existence, and the fact that we're all made of the same stuff can help chip away at negative self beliefs.

But relying purely on religion can be a form of "spiritual bypass", and has so many pitfalls that it's hard not to push back against it when I see it recommended. I'm not saying there is never value, but there are less risky ways of finding the same kinds of benefits.