Escaping the Maze of Spiritual Abuse

Author: Lisa Oakley
Publisher: SPCK
ISBN: 0281081328
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 233

Book Description
'Authority and rigour ... great generosity and gentleness. The authors diagnose a critical problem in the church and offer practical advice on how to fix it.' Andrew Graystone, theologian, broadcaster and communications consultant ‘Every time he wanted me to do something, he would quote scripture... I couldn’t argue with scripture, it was like arguing with God.’ The term ‘spiritual abuse’ is widely used across the Christian community. But what is it? Sometimes spiritual abuse involves leaders misusing their position, but ministers can also be the victims. Common factors include control through misuse of scripture, claims to divine authority, pressure to conform, and enforced accountability. Individuals may be isolated, and compelled to secrecy and silence. Drawing on a combination of extensive research, individual testimonies, and years of hands-on experience, Lisa Oakley and Justin Humphreys describe clearly the nature of spiritual abuse, and the best ways of countering it. Recovery is possible. But – how do we prevent spiritual abuse in the first place? What can leaders do to create safer places? Is there a link between theological ideas and harmful behaviours? How can leaders create opportunities for spiritual and emotional flourishing? Dr Lisa Oakley has researched spiritual abuse in the Christian faith in the UK since 2003. Justin Humphreys is chief executive of the safeguarding charity thirtyone: eight.

The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse

Author: David W. Johnson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781556611605
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 244

Book Description
"Written for both those who feel abused and those who may be causing it, The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse shows how people get hooked into abusive systems, the impact of controlling leadership on a congregation, and how the abused believer can find rest and recovery"--Provided by publisher.

Breaking the Silence on Spiritual Abuse

Author: L. Oakley
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 1137282878
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 184

Book Description
Providing a balance of empirical research and practical concerns, this book explores the definitions and historical context of spiritual abuse, outlines a process model for the different stages of spiritual abuse and includes strategies for therapists working with survivors of spiritual abuse.

Healing Spiritual Abuse

Author: Ken M. Blue
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
ISBN: 9780830816606
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 174

Book Description
Asserting that spiritual abuse in the church is more common than we realize, Ken Blue examines the causes of spiritual abuse, identifies abusive patterns, offers healing to those who have suffered abuse and describes how leaders should model the gospel of grace.

Walking Out of Spiritual Abuse

Author: Marc A. Dupont
Publisher: Regal Books
ISBN: 9781852402198
Category : Authority
Languages : en
Pages : 192

Book Description
This book targets the problem of abusive churches, which exist because of the potential for sin in all of us. The author takes a sobering look at potential problems and reveals the answers to those seeking to escape the abuse of power and authority in the Church.

Understanding Spiritual Abuse

Author: Karen Roudkovski
Publisher: B&H Publishing Group
ISBN: 1430083697
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 154

Book Description
Spiritual abuse is a widespread—and often misunderstood—issue. Church leaders may not understand how spiritual abuse manifests and spreads; meanwhile, the impact of spiritual abuse can be devastating to victims, damaging their relationships with themselves, the church, and God. In Understanding Spiritual Abuse: What It Is and How to Respond, professor and licensed counselor Karen Roudkovski offers wisdom, clarity, and hope for those seeking to understand the nature of spiritual abuse and how to heal. Based on her extensive research and clinical experience, Roudkovski explains: What spiritual abuse is, how the term arose, and what makes it distinct. Methods for assessing whether spiritual abuse has occurred, including instructions for the Spiritual Abuse Assessment (9781430086970). The tactics of spiritual abusers, including control, grooming, deception, and lack of accountability. The trauma of spiritual abuse, encompassing spiritual, emotional, physical, and relational harm. Suggestions for spiritual abuse recovery for therapists, survivors, and helpers. Recommendations for how churches can establish spiritually safe communities. Roudkovski's Understanding Spiritual Abuse is an essential resource for survivors, church leaders, and mental health professionals. Roudkovski provides a counseling overview of the topic while practically guiding leaders to create safe and supportive environments for victims to recover and rebuild from spiritual abuse and its devastating impact.

Recovering from Religious Abuse

Author: Jack Watts
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1439196591
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 258

Book Description
Jack Watts confronts one of Christianity’s deepest secrets and shares his own story of religious abuse, revealing the lifelong self-destructive behavior it produced—now in paperback. Jack Watts' startling personal story of being victimized by religious abuse and then sinking into alcoholism and self-destructive behaviors will resonate strongly with the many thousands of those who have been disenfranchised or even crushed by institutionalized religion. Recovering from Religious Abuse will help these walking wounded discover how to come to terms with their past as they heal from the inside out. Jack speaks to his readers as one who has been there, has felt their pain and bitterness, their desire to get even, their belief that they are worthless. But now he shares a new story of one who has finally found spiritual freedom and a deeply satisfying relationship with the God from whom he had once been alienated. Defining "religious abuse" as the use of spiritual authority to manipulate, harm, or use another person for personal gain, this practical step-by-step recovery manual takes readers on a journey that helps them fully realize the extent of the impact of their religious abuse, and progressively moves them toward healing and recovery. This 91-day plan includes daily readings, prayer, journaling instructions, and scriptures for reflection.

Healing Spiritual Abuse & Religious Addiction

Author: Matthew Linn
Publisher: Paulist Press
ISBN: 9780809134885
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 180

Book Description
Discusses the realities of spiritual abuse and religious addiction -- how they are defined, the reasons they exist and how people can move beyond vulnerable life patterns in order to enjoy a more lifegiving relationship with God and with a healthy faith community.

Understanding Religious Abuse and Recovery

Author: Patrick J. Knapp
Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers
ISBN: 1725286513
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 180

Book Description
Currently there are at least four major, identifiable perspectives on how people best understand and recover from religious abuse. Both secular and faith-based (Christian) adherents can be variously identified in each of these approaches. This book examines these viewpoints and evaluates their various strengths and limitations. It concludes that each perspective is helpful to the extent possible, given the limitations of its respective philosophic or theological assumptions. This book summarizes each viewpoint and suggests a larger contextual perspective, helpful to better understand involvement in and recovery from religiously abusive environments. The conclusion is an integration of the various conceptual frameworks, and a different model (SECURE) is described that includes essential principles and practical strategies necessary for recovery from religious abuse. Suggestions are made for future research and study both for academics with interest in the cultic studies and counseling fields, and for various people negatively affected by religious abuse and in need of recovery.

Spiritual Abuse

Author: June Hunt
Publisher: Rose Publishing
ISBN: 1628621273
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 50

Book Description
Spiritual abuse —whether through the twisting of scripture or threatening behavior —inflicts immense emotional pain and blocks spiritual growth. It is one of the most common forms of abuse in the church today and it often goes undetected, masking itself as "truth from a man of God." In this 96-page book, find out how to recognize the signs of spiritual abuse and how to know when leaders, pastors, or even spouses are using the Word of God to manipulate you (and others). Find out biblical truths and practical advice on how to: Recognize warning signs of spiritual abuse (Includes helpful checklists) Distinguish between law and grace (What does God really expect of me?) Begin to heal from spiritual abuse Respond to common arguments that fuel spiritual abuse, including: Shouldn't you honor those in authority? Is there no law for Christians to live by? What's the difference between legalism and biblical obedience? This mini-book will shed light on the characteristics of spiritual abuse, words used in abusive conversations, methods of manipulation, and examples of what victims may experience when dealing with an abusive leader or group. Find out why it can be easy to get trapped into legalism and how protect yourself from being vulnerable to this type of manipulation again. Packed with scripture, practical advice, and helpful insight, the last section titled "Steps to Solution" gives you practical advice on how to put an end to spiritual and emotional abuse with: 3 "tests" to determine a man-made sin from a real sin 4 ways to respond in a spiritually abusive situation (includes how to set boundaries) 8 keys to move from a mindset of legalism to grace Honesty test for those who may be abusive And much more! Perfect for small group & Bible studies, Sunday school, young adult and youth ministry, chaplaincy, Christian counseling, addiction & recovery programs, church giveaways, and much more!