What is Spiritual-Bypassing?
The hidden harm of relying solely on God.
Did I get your attention? Maybe you think, "But Andrea! We're supposed to rely on God!"
I agree with you. If we call ourselves Christian, Follower of Christ, or Person of Faith, we do rely on God. There are many passages in the Bible that support reliance on God. In times of trouble, it has often been my faith that brought me through. I felt moments of great peace, despite the turmoil I was encountering.
Stick with me here! Allow me a moment to explain.
Spiritual bypassing, a term first coined by psychologist John Welwood, is defined by him as using "spiritual ideas and practices to sidestep personal, emotional ‘unfinished business,’ to shore up a shaky sense of self, or to belittle basic needs, feelings, and developmental tasks."1
Looking for a more "Christian" definition? I have a couple!
Renowned writer and Catholic Priest Henri Nouwen, who calls it spiritual censorship, says it's the practice of "editing out all the fantasies, worries, resentments, and disturbing thoughts we do not wish to share with anyone including God."2
Christian therapist Dr. Alison Cook shares that "spiritual bypassing simply means that you use spiritual concepts, platitudes, or activities to 'bypass' or avoid dealing with your true feelings, especially the hard ones like anger, grief, fear, loneliness, envy, and shame.”3
"Okay... that's all well and good, but what does it look like in everyday life?" I hear asking.
Wondering what spiritual bypassing looks like in everyday life?
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