The Diabolical Trinity: Healing Religious Trauma from a Wrathful God, Tormenting Hell, and a Sinful Self Paperback – March 16, 2023

This is an incredible book for anyone struggling with the deconstruction process… it’s been such a helpful read for me and I don’t think words can truly convey my gratitude for this work! I heard an interview with the author on the New Evangelicals podcast and knew I needed to get the book!I appreciate the practical tips and resources sited at the end for further research and reading. Highly recommend this book!

I am absolutely DELIGHTED by Dr. Karris' work. As someone who has both experienced religious trauma and is a trauma-informed coach and hypnotist myself, I found The Diabolical Trinity to be insightful, articulate, relatable, and most of all - PRACTICAL.Dr. Karris draws upon a variety of fields ranging from anthropology, philosophy, sociology, psychodynamic theory, attachment theory, neuroscience, trauma-informed therapy, (and yes, a little bit of theology!), etc. while weaving in his own personal story as well as many helpful anecdotes and real-world examples into a well-organized, thoughtful, and compassionate guide for recovering from the trifecta of religious trauma: a wrathful God, tormenting hell, and a sinful self.The book is divided into 3 sections.Part I deals with understanding both trauma generally and religious trauma specifically. Part II deconstructs the notion of hell as a man-made construct and a reaction to trauma from the lens of anthropology, sociology, and philosophy. Part III gives highly practical, evidence-based, and trauma-informed principles, techniques, and exercises with relatable and applicable anecdotes and examples from Dr. Karris' own work.If you're looking for a practical, in-depth, and readable guide to recovering from religious trauma, then look no further.This is a MUST read for anyone who is in the field of mental health or change work.I highly recommend you grab your copy today, but more importantly, ENGAGE with this valuable material!It could change your life!

If you grew up in Christian fundamentalism, you most likely have felt the deep psychological impact of Eternal Conscious Torment in your spirit. It looms as a creeping suspicion that God is no more conscious than a power-hungry warlord, ready to deal retribution to those who don't align with His perspective. Like a cosmic gaslighter, God demands "see things my way or else..."Karris deals with this archaic and traumatizing idea with much care and professional insight--showing from a counselors perspective why such ideas are so damaging to the psyche and validating the trauma that many Christians have felt through the years. I believe this work is a critical message for our day and a needed resource, encouraging all to carefully consider how the ideas of original sin, a wrathful God, and eternal conscious torment can negatively impact our hearts and our minds. Most importantly, Mark offers a path to healing and recovery from the "Diabolical Trinity."If you or anyone you love is struggling to shake the whispering voice in your head saying "God is angry at you...you are good for nothing...and you deserve to burn" I highly recommend this insightful work. And if you haven't read Karris' other works "Religious Refugees" and "Divine Echoes..." I highly recommend anything Karris has authored.

If you are questioning the concept of Hell, and/or wanting to understand how such a concept, or person can have such a strong grip on human beings, this the book for you. As a retired behavioral and social scientist, and exchristian, I wish this book had been available when I began my questioning of fear based religion decades ago.

As a trauma-informed therapist myself, I resonated with so much of Mark’s views addressed religious abuse and the effects on the view of self. He does a great job explaining the psychological impact of wrong theology. How freeing it is to allow for all questions to a God who is there to listen and hear all of our distress of this life in human bodies and in a cold, violent world.I have recommended this book to clients interested in changing their relationship to God and the ways they’ve been boxed in by religion. Especially alongside safe supporting guidance, this book will lead many to freedom and peace, psychologically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Spiritual leaders and mental health professionals will find this book an incredible resource to better understand religious/spiritual trauma. It goes a long way in guiding us to help and avoid doing further harm to those who deserve nothing but our best. This isn't a light treatment of the subject but a thorough one, informed by psychology, theology, and spirituality. Dr. Karris shares personal information and stories that make this book not just credible but also deeply human.

A movement is afoot and gaining momentum - helping people reimagine their faith. It is fueled by an understanding of God as fully and completely LOVE/LOVING in more liberating and beautiful ways than we could have imagined. Mark Karris', The Diabolical Trinity contributes significantly to this movement by providing a thorough guide to experience healing from what many have experienced as toxic and trauma-inducing beliefs. It is rooted in the latest research in the fields of neuroscience and psychology. Highly recommended!