The Interfaith Campus Coalition
When Religious Groups Pressure You and You Feel Confused
You are most vulnerable to high pressure religious groups when you are:
Lonely because you are homesick, your roommate is always out with other friends, your significant other is at another school, etc.
Hurting because you have been fighting with family, you are grieving, or have ended a relationship.
Having a tough time socially and you feel like everyone has a date but you, you haven't been recruited by anyone, and it is the same dull routine of class, eating, and sleep.
In trouble academically and you struggling with coursework, embarrassed by C's and D's that you never used to get, and unsure about your major or career choices.
Remember, these feelings are a part of university life and can be confronted. But if left unattended, they only get bigger and can make you a target for high-pressure recruiters.
Ask for help from someone you trust. Try this exercise: Think back to a time when you felt like your world was falling apart. Ask yourself:
- What kind of help did you need?
- Do you have that type of person available to you now?
- How might you find such a person?
The people mentioned in this directory are all equipped to help you. You can also go to Student Health Services in Boynton Hall, 410 Church St, or call (612) 624-1444 to make an appointment with Health Services.
Be Careful
- Beware of instant answers. Your serious questions deserve in-depth responses and long-term solutions.
- Beware of people who are excessively friendly. There are no instant relationships.
- Beware of groups that pressure you to behave differently. No one knows what is right for you but you.
- Beware of groups that relate to you through guilt. Guilt induced by others is rarely a productive emotion.
- Beware of invitations to gatherings with vague goals. It could be a sign that something is being hidden from you.
Check Out Your Faith Tradition
You might begin by checking out a group that represents your own faith tradition. There will be some similarities, but there will be many differences from your experience back home. Consider giving your religious heritage another chance. As an adult, you may see new elements of it that you never noticed before.
If You are Thinking About Joining Another Group
Make sure they:
- Encourage relationships with family and friends outside of the group.
- Can help you through life's inevitable crises.
- Invite open and thoughtful investigations of their beliefs.
- Encourage you to become a contributing member of society.
- Offer a reasonable and credible belief system that will help you shape and guide your life.