S3E11 Abuse of Conscience: How Faith is Manipulated

Friends,

In this episode of the ongoing series on spiritual abuse, I sit down with Catholic Counselor Paul Fahey to explore a subtle but deeply impactful layer of harm: the abuse of conscience.

Many of us were taught to “follow our conscience,” but few of us were ever taught how a conscience is properly formed — or how it can be manipulated. When spiritual authority bypasses freedom, pressures compliance, or equates disagreement with sin, faith formation can quietly become control.

Paul defines conscience through a Catholic lens and offers concrete examples of how it can be distorted in families, churches, and religious communities. We also discuss how parents can faithfully teach their children without crossing the line into coercion, and why healthy formation always respects human dignity and freedom.

If you have ever struggled with religious guilt, fear-based teaching, or confusion about trusting your own moral judgment, this conversation will bring clarity and hope.

Paul Fahey's Link(s):

Email: [e-mail]

Article: https://wherepeteris.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/The-Place-Where-You-Stand-is-Holy-Ground.pdf

Presentation: https://youtu.be/HjuL6lIKM28?si=yKvqiC31Ph-WN45P

Reference(s):

The Role of Conscience: https://www.usccb.org/resources/Role%20of%20the%20conscience.pdf

Connect with Dr. Carron

• Partner with the mission: https://go.drcarron.com/FIFYPodcastGift
• Join the weekly newsletter: https://go.drcarron.com/wellspringfreegiftoptin
• Work with me 1:1 — Looking for shame‑free, nonjudgmental support on your healing journey? Schedule a free consultation and let’s chat: https://go.drcarron.com/chatwithdrcarron

Love the Podcast? Please:

• Follow / Subscribe
• Share with someone who needs hope
• Leave a rating and written review

Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forgiveness-is-for-you-overcome-trauma-through-forgiveness/id1721956839

How to Leave an Apple Review

1. Open the Apple Podcasts app
2. Search: Forgiveness Is for YOU
3. Tap the show (not an episode)
4. Scroll to Ratings & Reviews
5. Tap Write a Review

Credits

• Host & Producer: Dr. Carron Silva
• Podcast Editor: Dr. Carron Silva
• Cover Art Designer: Dr. Carron Silva
• Music: Kode M (@kodemaster90)
• Social Media Manager: Diamond_Media00

Disclaimer: Opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host. Guests are welcomed in a spirit of respectful dialogue and freedom of expression.

A Final Word: Thank you for listening, Friend. Remember: Forgiveness is for YOU.