Gaslighting for God: How to Spot Spiritual Narcissism & Find Healthy Community with Becky Garrison

What happens when a place meant to offer belonging, healing, and connection becomes a source of spiritual harm? In this episode of Holy Shenanigans, Pastor Tara Lamont Eastman talks with author and journalist Becky Garrison about religious trauma, spiritual narcissism, and how to recognize the difference between a healthy spiritual community and a toxic one. Becky discusses her new book, Gaslighting for God: A Satirical Guide to Save Yourself From Spiritual Narcissists, and shares practical red flags to watch for—including a lack of accountability, unhealthy power structures, financial secrecy, and communities where saying “no” isn't respected. She also offers some important green flags: being heard, feeling safe, having your boundaries respected, and knowing that you can show up as your authentic self. The conversation explores why satire can be healing, how trauma can affect our search for belonging, and why sometimes the most faithful thing we can do is listen to our bodies and walk away from a community that isn't healthy for us. At the heart of this conversation is a simple message of hope: You are not alone. There are survivors, resources, and healthier communities where love, connection, and belonging can be genuine. Come join Tara and Becky for a Holy Shenanigans conversation about smashing idols, finding shalom, and making room for spiritual communities that do no harm. Send Tara a Text Message Support the show Rev. Tara Lamont Eastman is a pastor, podcaster and host of Holy Shenanigans since September of 2020.  Eastman combines her love of ministry with her love of writing, music and visual arts. She is a graduate of Wartburg Theological Seminary’s Theological Education for Emerging Ministry Program and the Youth and Theology Certificate Program at Princeton Seminary. She has served in various ministry and pastoral roles over the last thirty years in the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and PCUSA (Presbyterian Church of America).  She is the pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Warren Pennsylvania. She has presented workshops on the topics of faith and creativity at the Wild Goose Festival. She is a trainer for Soul Shop Suicide Prevention for Church Communities.