Submitted by ExChildBride t3_y425yv in IAmA
Hello all. New to Reddit. I recently came out with my story on Medium if you’d like to read the full (abridged) version.
I was raised in a religious household and supported in the decision to marry at 16yrs old to an adult man. In 2018 my life began, after walking away from my 17yr marriage. I openly discuss the departure from the faith that I grew up in – Christianity. Although I can separate my trauma and individual experience from Christianity as a whole, I can’t deny the psychological harm that such a narrative can cause.
I Am a free adult. Finally. But for years I lived in an unconscious fog. Riddled with internal battles for identity and validation. Child marriage is legal in many states, right here in the US. I cannot stress enough, how damaging it is to the innocent. To the young developing mind.
All child marriage situations may not be abusive in nature, but age gap should be a tremendous factor when determining this.
Furthermore, it’s not just extreme fundamental religion that destroys humanity, but the “regular” church down the street, with hipsters and coffee and donuts. It’s the subtle indoctrination to a false reality clothed in a bunch of light and love. A departure from self, science, philosophy, and most of all authentic spirituality.
I am a mother, an artist, and a sacred human being.