There is a dirty little secret in the Body of Christ. It’s a worldwide thing; it’s a local thing. It lurks in big churches and small churches. It originates from huge denominations and organizations and tiny grass-roots home church groups. It’s been around since the beginning of the early church, yet is just now making its way into the mainstream media. Its effect has been felt by the youngest of children and the oldest of saints.
What I’m referring to is spiritual abuse of authority.
What is astonishing and perplexing at the same time, while literally millions of well-meaning and trusting persons have been devastated by its aftermath, no one really wants to talk about it.
Good people, people “of the Name,” God-fearing lovers of Jesus have been abused, injured, manipulated, controlled, deceived, told who to marry, what jobs to have, where to live, what cars to drive, what to wear, how much money to give, who to give it to…the list goes on and on, ad nauseam. All has been done in the “name of God.” Why has this happened? Why have so many intelligent, honest seekers of spiritual truth been sold a phony bill of goods and been more than willing to accept it?
Dedicated to these precious people, I've written and just released my first book about the topic of spiritual abuse, entitled Pigs In The Pulpit. It chronicles my and my family's story of becoming Christians, then our 17 year struggle within and escaping from a controlling, abusive and cultic church system. You can find the book at http://www.pigsinthepulpit.com.
Let's start a dialogue on this much-needed and overdue topic. Have you been abused, manipulated and controlled in a Christian church or ministry? I'd love to hear about it. God bless you...
Another name for what you are discussing could be "Father Knows Best" syndrome. As a Roman (roamin') catholic raised in the practice of calling parish priests "Father"...I know of the misunderstandings & corruptions that this has netted. We must be taught--In Word&Deed--as Christ demo'ed and commanded...That GOD IS THE FATHER OF US ALL WHO KNOWS BEST...and that the Rest of US...after a brief stint as innocent little lambs...spend our lives in various Stages/Types/Stripes of being...MUTTONHEADS. [NOTE: Thanks--3 Stooges for THIS Great Handle!]
ReplyDeleteMichael, I just found out about your book today. I have a blog and although the primary focus of my blog is grace, it has a secondary emphasis on spiritual abuse. I was part of an abusive church a number of years ago and I’ve seen the devastation that this can have on individuals and on families. Like you, I’ve seen the church sweep it under the rug. No one wants to talk about it but I want to talk about it. I want to warn as many as I can and I want to see people set free.
ReplyDeleteI read the excerpt from your book on Amazon.com and my heart broke for all the victims who are still living under that type of abuse. Thank you for speaking out for those who live in fear and can’t speak for themselves. I look forward to reading your book and I’m excited to be the first to post on your blog.
Michael, I just finished reading your wonderful book. A review will post on my blog, http://cc-chronicles.blogspot.com on Wednesday, Dec. 2nd. Your book is compelling and I hope you sell many copies. I think it is a book that many will relate too and that will help many others. May God continue to bless you and your family!
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