Is this abuse from an over religious parent?

Question

I am 23 male...i grew up in a strict catholic household where my parents esp my dad was almost like a fanatic about daily bible reading and prayer rituals......Now when I look back,I do remember a certain event which took place when I was just 8 years old....As usual,my dad asked me to join them for prayers...But this time,I refused and he got really angry..turned into this crazy out of control freak who beat the c**p out of me with a stick over and over....i still remember i cried the whole night and others-my mom and my elder brother were like its no big deal........I gradually turned into my shell,reclusive,shy and a socially awkward guy with zero confidence till my late teens... Now I am of course living away from them for good and have changed my personality using self-improvment books and other human potential courses....Life is going great and have more peace now.......

My question is - Would you consider what my father did to me - as some form of abuse - coz i think he had no right to do it to a kid who was too small and immature to even comprehend such "religious" matters...There were countless other times when he used to scold me for not showing any interest in prayers and church....I obviously was emotionally scarred for a long time and took a long time to recover....What do you make of this?

Answer 1

yes, that was physical, emotional and psychological abuse from a parent. Especially from someone so close in your life.  

Answer 2

yes, i definitely feel like that is a form of abuse..and i feel really bad that you had to go through something like that. that is definitely NOT a way to raise a child. did he think beating you would make you see God's love? i mean, come on.

*sigh* i'm really glad you've moved on. it's nice to see you're trying to help yourself have a better life..good for you. remember that you're life doesn't have to be determined by the mistakes of your father.

good luck. :)

Answer 3

That was totally un-called for. He had no right to do what he did. You should not have gotten smart with him. But the punishment was too severe. He got out of control.  And you lived your life with that on your mind...Emotionally scarring you. Let it go now...It's over, and in the past. You grew up a decent man. Religious people...sometimes can get out of control with their anger when it comes to their kids.

I knew a young girl years ago with parents like yours...and several other kids I KNOW ended up leaving home at a very early age...just to GET AWAY. When at home, these kids would sneak out...cause their folks would never give them permission to do anything. They would end up getting into some kind of trouble....More so then kids who had parents who gave them the permission they needed to let their kids go out and learn...be kids, do things....have their own mind....Seems like the ones who sneaked out, got a little out of control and carried away...cause things were so tight at home...with rules and beliefs...and ounishments. You made it through all of that...growing up phase. NOW you be you....don't let your past haunt you....And when you have kids eventually....be the right kind of parents....Never smother your kids...Read your books...they can help you.

Good luck!!!

Answer 4

Yep your father was an abusive religious fanatic.  Sorry about that.

Answer 5

Any form of hitting a child that is to small or scared to defend them selves is a form of abuse regardless of religion... Sorry to hear it.

Answer 6

To your dad it will never be considered abuse depending where he comes from. What I think is important is for you to be better than how you were treated. No matter if it was considered as abuse has no relevance, it depends on how you treat other people in spite of your dad. You have ultimate control over your life no one else does. You make your life what you want it to be. In catholic terms (I once practiced) dust into dust. How will you impact your fellow human beings in the one life that you live?! Love and peace because we all deserve it!  

Answer 7

As the bible says": spare the rod, spoil the child.  (just kidding) obviously that scripture is not an excuse to beat your child.  I am so sorry to hear about your fanatic father.  I am a Christian and I don't believe in forcing it down other people's throats.  If anything,  his intentions backfired.  Ugh! I despise ppl like that. (personal experience).  Try to forgive your dad though ok?  Because to be honest, EVERYONE has some sort of issue.  We've all been hurt or have hurt others.  Forgiveness does not mean you condone the actions of the one who hurt you.  Forgiveness if for the person that was hurt,  so he/she can heal.  God Bless.