Sometimes there is a physical pain which is based solely in the emotions. Shamed people medicate their pain. In the thorough book, Love Hunger, the doctors of the Minirth-Meier clinic spell out reasons why we overeat and show how, in most cases, a person is actually attempting to fill a hole inside. Many hurting people turn to the church in an effort to alleviate the pain they feel. After being involved for awhile they often drop out, still hurting.
Some people use religion to evade their pain and deny their true feelings.
Church is an escape to them like theater is to someone else. Pain calls for alleviation. This is how a person, or a society, becomes compulsive and addicted. I believe Jesus Christ is alive today and able to meet our deepest needs and that these next years will witness a revolutionary healing in the deep cores of hurting people. Jesus is not only our Guilt Offering , but our Shame Bearer as we shall see this month and next.