Do people in religion suffer from self-esteem?

Answer 1

Some definitely do: both unrealistically low and unrealistically high. The "I'm a sinner" problem can cripple someone, but so can "I'm going to heaven." It warps a person's judgment to see things in such extremes of black and white. The world is full of complexity, and if you don't acknowledge that and take the time to look at things carefully, you miss most of it. Then your judgments are based on limited information, or even on false information.

No matter who you are or what you believe, you cannot leave your judgment and reason at the door. You are going to need it always.

Answer 2

Low self esteem affects all people. Religious people as well.

While my spirituality does help my self esteem because it enables me to feel unconditionally loved by my Creator and therefore love myself while sorting through my personal flaws and bettering myself, I do get lack of confidence from time to time.

We all do.

Having a religion does not automatically solve all your personal issues. You still need to work upon these and those who assume just claiming a religion makes everything AYE OK, end up being some of the most screwed up people ever.

Answer 3

Of course most people do. All any sentient being wants is to be happy, and clinging to a sense of self-esteem is usually one of the routes they incorrectly perceive as a channel to free themselves from unhappiness and usually act in non-virtuous manner in order to try to "preserve" that non-inherently-existent "self's" happiness.

_()_

Answer 4

I don't think one can suffer from self esteem as you put it, unless you are trying to be totally selfless which probably isn't a bad idea. You peobably mean suffering from pride.

Answer 5

Can't speak for all, but i don't...

I converted to my religion. I actaully had lower self esteem when i wasn't religious. But that's just me...