Exploring Neurodivergence and Spirituality: Matthew's Story, Personal Struggles, and a Journey to Inclusive Faith
Introduction: Uncovering the Intersection of Neurodivergence and Spirituality
Matthew the tax collector, as depicted in The Chosen, offers a fascinating exploration of neurodivergence within a religious context. This portrayal resonates deeply with my personal experiences of addiction, mental health struggles, and a profound spiritual transformation. My journey through religious intolerance in Calvinistic Southern Baptist churches not only exacerbated my struggles with alcoholism and depression but also highlighted the need for a more inclusive understanding of neurodivergence and spirituality. This article explores how Matthew’s neurodivergence parallels my experiences and how a recent spiritual encounter reshaped my approach to faith and healing.
Matthew’s Neurodivergence in The Chosen
A Modern Take on Autism in Ancient Times
In The Chosen, Matthew is portrayed with characteristics commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder. His intense focus on numbers, social awkwardness, and flat emotional affect reflect a neurodivergent perspective. This modern depiction provides valuable insights into how autistic traits might have manifested in Biblical, historical contexts.
Matthew’s role as a tax collector required exceptional numerical skills and meticulous attention to detail, traits often associated with neurodivergent individuals. His social difficulties and emotional detachment mirror challenges faced by many today. This nuanced portrayal offers a fresh perspective on inclusion and acceptance, challenging traditional views within religious communities.
Personal Reflection: Neurodivergence and Social Isolation
My own neurodivergent traits closely align with Matthew’s depiction. Traits such as intense focus and analytical skills have been assets in my life, but they have also led to social isolation. My deep immersion in research and learning, or my special interests, often made it challenging for others to connect with me, reflecting Matthew’s struggles in The Chosen.
For instance, my difficulty in grasping social nuances and my intense focus on specific interests often left me feeling disconnected from others. This parallels Matthew’s experiences and underscores the need for greater empathy and understanding within both religious and social environments. Have you ever felt like an outsider because of traits others couldn’t understand?
How Religious Intolerance Worsens Mental Health Challenges
The Harmful Effects of Rigid Doctrines
The intolerance I faced within Calvinistic Southern Baptist churches significantly impacted my struggles with alcoholism, addiction, depression, and anxiety. The rigid doctrines, including predestination and the concept of "the elect," created an environment of exclusion and judgment. This atmosphere not only failed to address my mental health challenges but also deepened my sense of inadequacy and isolation.
At one point during my 25 years in the church, I began to question whether I was ever "saved." Around the age of 12, many of my peers claimed to have experienced the Holy Spirit, yet I felt nothing. When I voiced my concerns to my father and the preacher, I was told I was simply "doubting" my faith. This experience left me feeling alienated and forced me to wear a mask of belief I didn't feel. Have you ever felt pressured to fit into a religious mold that didn't feel right to you?
A Personal Story of Judgment and Misunderstanding
One vivid memory from my time in the church occurred when I was volunteering at a nursing home. My flat affect led a deacon to suggest that I might be possessed by demons because he couldn’t see the "joy of the Lord" in me. This harsh judgment reflects the broader issue of religious intolerance and its impact on neurodivergent individuals. How often do neurodivergent traits go misunderstood, leading to unwarranted judgment and exclusion? Experiences like this underline the urgent need for a more compassionate and understanding approach within religious communities.
From Despair to Spiritual Awakening: A Journey of Healing
Overcoming Addiction and Finding Faith Through Grace
After a long and dark journey, I experienced a profound spiritual encounter during a meditation session that marked a turning point in my life. Despite my earlier skepticism, this experience with Jesus provided a renewed sense of hope and purpose. It challenged the dogmatic beliefs I had been taught, leading me to reconsider my approach to faith and healing. It’s clear to me that had I stayed within the confines of the churches I once knew, I would have never experienced such a transformation.
This encounter with Jesus has been life-changing, offering a new perspective on faith that emphasizes grace, acceptance, and personal connection. Unlike the rigid doctrines of my past, which I deconstructed, this renewed understanding of spirituality focuses on the unique challenges each individual faces. Has there been a moment in your life where your perception of faith was completely transformed?
Matthew’s Journey: Lessons in True Christian Compassion and Inclusion
Matthew’s Story as a Reflection of True Christian Values
Matthew’s journey from a despised tax collector to a respected disciple serves as a powerful reminder of the inclusive and compassionate nature of true Christianity. Jesus’ acceptance of Matthew, despite his marginalized status, highlights the importance of embracing diversity and recognizing the inherent value of every individual, regardless of their traits or circumstances.
The portrayal of Matthew in The Chosen reinforces this message by presenting a neurodivergent perspective that challenges traditional notions of worth and inclusion. It encourages viewers to rethink their perceptions of neurodivergent individuals and embrace a more empathetic and understanding approach to faith. How might our communities change if we approached faith and inclusion with the same compassion Jesus showed?
Conclusion: Embracing Inclusion and Compassion in Faith
The intersection of neurodivergence, religious intolerance, and personal struggle highlights the need for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to spirituality. Matthew’s portrayal in The Chosen provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals within religious contexts, while my personal journey underscores the impact of intolerance on mental health and well-being.
By embracing the true spirit of Christianity—one that values grace, acceptance, and personal connection—we can create faith communities that support and uplift all individuals, regardless of their differences. This renewed understanding of faith offers hope and healing for those who have faced exclusion and judgment, providing a path toward redemption and recovery. How can we, as individuals and communities, work toward creating more inclusive and compassionate spaces for everyone?
Call to Action
If you’ve experienced similar struggles with neurodivergence, mental health, or religious intolerance, you're not alone. Let’s start a conversation about healing and inclusion by sharing our experiences and insights.
In hope, with Christ,
Sharing Heaven
Bible verses and definitions used in this article can be found below.
Jesus' Words on Faith, Inclusion, and Compassion: Answering Critics with Biblical Truth
1. Question: What is the greatest commandment?
Answer: "‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." – Matthew 22:37-40
2. Question: Why should we not judge others?
Answer: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." – Matthew 7:1-2
3. Question: How should we treat people who are different from us?
Answer: "In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." – Matthew 7:12
4. Question: What did Jesus say about religious leaders who exclude others?
Answer: "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to." – Matthew 23:13
5. Question: How should we treat people who are marginalized or different?
Answer: "Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." – Matthew 25:40
6. Question: What should we do when we feel burdened and weighed down?
Answer: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." – Matthew 11:28-29
7. Question: Is it wrong to question tradition or religious doctrine?
Answer: "Thus you nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’" – Matthew 15:6-9
8. Question: How does Jesus offer forgiveness and acceptance?
Answer: "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." – Luke 19:10
9. Question: What is Jesus’ view on wealth and power?
Answer: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God." – Matthew 19:24
10. Question: Can we find peace and overcome fear through faith in Jesus?
Answer: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." – John 14:27
The Ultimate Promise: A 100% Biblical Guarantee from the Words of Jesus
Every word spoken here is from the mouth of Jesus, the Son of God, who guarantees eternal life to those who believe in Him. His words are the foundation of truth and offer the promise of grace, peace, and inclusion to all who follow Him.
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away." - Matthew 24:35
Defining Key Terms: Essential Concepts in Neurodivergence, Spirituality, and Faith
Neurodivergence: A term used to describe individuals whose neurological development and functioning are atypical, often including conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and others. Neurodivergent individuals process information and experience the world differently from neurotypical people.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder that affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Individuals with ASD may have difficulty with social cues, exhibit repetitive behaviors, and have specific interests or intense focus on certain subjects.
Religious Intolerance: The unwillingness to accept or respect beliefs, practices, or people that differ from one's own religious views. In the article's context, it refers to rigid, dogmatic beliefs that exclude or judge individuals based on their perceived adherence to religious doctrine.
Calvinism: A branch of Protestant theology associated with John Calvin that emphasizes predestination, the belief that God has already chosen who will be saved, and that human free will plays no role in salvation.
Predestination: The religious doctrine that God has already determined the fate of every individual, particularly regarding salvation and eternal life, independent of their actions or decisions.
Dogma: A set of principles or beliefs that are accepted by members of a particular group without question. In religious contexts, it refers to doctrines that are viewed as authoritative and infallible.
Deconstruction (in religious context): The process of critically examining and questioning long-held religious beliefs, doctrines, and traditions, often leading to a reassessment or rejection of previous faith practices.
Spiritual Awakening: A profound realization or experience that leads to a deeper understanding of one’s spirituality or connection to a higher power. It often involves a transformation of beliefs, emotions, and perspectives on life.
Mental Health: A person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how people think, feel, and act, and can be influenced by factors such as stress, trauma, or genetics.
Grace: In Christian theology, grace refers to the unearned and unconditional love and favor of God toward humans. It is often seen as the means by which people receive salvation and forgiveness.
Special Interest (Autism): A term used to describe an intense focus on a particular subject or activity, which is often a defining characteristic of individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Exclusion: The act of intentionally or unintentionally leaving someone out or marginalizing them. In religious contexts, it can refer to individuals being alienated due to not conforming to specific beliefs or behaviors.
Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person, often regarded as a critical component of building inclusive and supportive communities.
Faith: Trust or belief in a higher power, deity, or set of religious teachings. Faith often involves acceptance of concepts that cannot be seen or proven.
Spirituality: A broad concept that may or may not involve religion, spirituality encompasses a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, often involving a search for meaning, purpose, and peace.
