On a recent episode of The Pulse Podcast with Pastor Troy Brewer, author and licensed professional counselor Kenza Haddock shared her powerful testimony of escaping the bondage of religious control and discovering true freedom through Jesus Christ. The former Muslim from Morocco described how the “spirit of religion” thrives on fear, guilt and performance, keeping people from knowing the love of God.
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“I grew up believing I had to earn my salvation,” Haddock said. “I had to pray enough, fast enough, give enough and obey enough to be accepted. You’re born Muslim, you die Muslim. It’s like a mafia. You can’t question or leave.”
Haddock recalled how her life was ruled by condemnation and fear of punishment until she began having dreams of Jesus. “He came to me in a dream with His arms wide open,” she said. “When I learned that salvation is by grace through faith not works, it was so simple it shocked me.”
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Now a licensed counselor and author of Unmasking Narcissism, Haddock says the same spirit that enslaves people through religion often disguises itself as righteousness.
“Rules without relationship breed rebellion,” she said. “The spirit of religion uses fear to control but the Holy Spirit transforms through love.” She encourages believers to set healthy boundaries, forgive and renounce inner vows made in pain. “Freedom comes through Jesus alone,” she added.
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To watch the full interview with Kenza Haddock on The Pulse Podcast, watch the video above.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a background in journalism from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine.
