One of the fundamental needs of human beings is to feel they belong and also a sense of agency over their life.
One must feel like they are loved, they belong to a community of people, whoever they may be. Social connectedness and healthy relationships are a strong predictor of health and longevity.
One also must have a sense of control over their own life. Things must be a choice. Most healthy adults want to choose what they want to do with their time, who they want to have a relationship with, where they live, where they work, what they study, their hobbies, etc.
When our agency is taken away, that is a form of abuse. When belonging is contingent upon agency (you can belong to our church but you must do what is expected), I believe that is also abuse.
Acts 2 boasts that they do life together and that everyone is loved and accepted just as they are. But do not believe their lies. You are only accepted if you do what they say. You must follow their multitude of rules and expectations. If you do not, they'll drop you like a hot potato.
